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The term “weatherization” may sound a little intimidating, but did you know that weatherizing is really just a series of quick and easy steps that anyone anywhere is capable of? It’s true! Whether you live in an apartment or a two-story house, in Minnesota or New Mexico, you can benefit from some home weatherization this winter. Here are six simple actions to get you started in saving a bundle of money in energy bills and helping you reduce your carbon footprint in the process!
- Seal leaks with caulking and weatherstripping. This is the easiest weatherization step you can do! Simple seal windows and door jams with clear caulking (for smaller gaps) or weatherstripping (for larger gaps). Since 30% of your homes heat can be lost through these tiny gaps, think of how much you’ll save by sealing them!
- Reduce drafts. Simply putting a rolled up blanket or towel at the bottom of exterior doors will greatly decrease the energy needed to heat your home. And, if you’re in the mood for something prettier, many stores even sell cute versions of these simple draft-busters.
- Program your thermostat. Making sure that your house isn’t being heated when you’re not home or awake will help control heating costs this winter.
- Insulate your windows. Windows are a massive energy-suck. You can insulate your windows by putting up heavy curtains or putting up a special, thin-plastic insulation found at most hardware stores.
- Insulate water pipes. Insulating your water pipes not only prevents them from bursting during a deep freeze, but also will save you money on your energy bill this winter. Not sure if your pipes need new insulation? Putting a hand to your pipe and testing to see if they’re warm is the easiest way to check. If they are, you’re losing valuable heat. The same test can be used on your water heater.
- Put on a sweater! Putting on a sweater instead of raising your thermostat a few degrees is the easiest (and most fashionable!) way to save energy this winter.
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