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Install Storm Doors
A storm door is an additional outer door that adds protection in harsh, winter months. Typically made from wood, plastic, or aluminum, storm doors provide an additional layer of insulation around your home’s entry points. That means you’re losing less warm air and keeping cold air out of your home.
Caulk the Gaps
To stop cold drafts from chilling your home, get your caulking gun. Check for little gaps along doors and window frames. To find where leaky spots, have someone blow air from a hair dryer through suspicious gaps, while you hold a candle along the inside of window and door frames. If the light flickers, there’s a draft. Caulk over the leaky portion to save on heating costs and stay warmer all winter.
DIY a Draft Snake
Draft snakes became popular during the Great Depression. There’s a good reason why: They are a cheap way to keep the cold at bay. You can buy draft snakes in stores or online, but it’s just as easy to make your own by sewing fabric into a long tub and filling a pouch with sand or rice.
Bubble Wrap Your Windows
Inefficient windows are one of the biggest culprits when it comes to winter heating loss. If yours are old, chances are they’re not up to the job of keeping necessary heat inside your home where it belongs. Replacing those outdated windows, however, is expensive. Luckily, there’s a temporary solution to prevent cold air from leaking through your windows. Try covering them with bubble wrap. It may look odd, but the bubble wrap will trap cold air pockets, while still allowing light to shine through the glass.
Related: 6 Steps to a Cozy Winter Home
Watch Your Thermostat
Though you may be tempted to set the thermostat to a toasty warm temperature, doing so can mean an uncomfortably high energy bill. Instead, turn down the thermostat when you’re away from the home, and also before heading to bed. A programmable thermostat can be set to coincide with your alarm clock and your work day so the heat is already on as soon as you need it.
Related: 5 New Smart Home Gadgets for 2015
Add Extra Insulation
We’ve all heard that heat rises. Translation: If your attic isn’t insulated, all that warm air is escaping from your home. Adding extra insulation in the attic, in the walls of an attached garage, or in the basement ceiling are some of the best ways to keep your house warm and cozy this winter.
Change the Direction of the Ceiling Fan
Chances are you only use your ceiling fans in the summer and leave them switched off all winter. However, if you change the direction of the fan, you can actually help distribute warm air in the room. Counter-clockwise rotation creates a cool breeze, while clockwise rotation pushes warm air into the room.
Remove Your A/C Window Unit
It may seem like extra work, but taking the time to remove the A/C unit from your window prevents cold air from sneaking through cracks. If you can’t manage to remove it, invest in a heavy tarp to cover the unit during the winter.