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Step 1
In order to improve your home's efficiency during the winter, you just need to do a few minor home improvements. These home improvements will help seal out the cold air, and seal in the warmth. The small amount you spend on these minor home improvements will help you save more on your home heating costs.
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Step 2
Check your windows for drafts. You can do easily by moistening your hand and running it along the window edges. Air leaks will make your hand feel colder, as you feel the wind rushing in. If you feel any air leaks, you can increase your home's winter efficiency by using caulking or window seals.
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Step 3
Hang lined curtains or drapes over all windows. Lined curtains are more energy effient because the extra layer of fabric provides better insulation against the cold. If you don't have lined curtains, hang extra blankets over all of your windows to help insulate your home from the cold outside, thereby helping you save money on your heating bills.
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Step 4
Insulate your water heater with extra blankets. This will improve your home's efficiency by protecting the water from the bracing cold, so that it the water temperature won't drop down so low. If the temperature drops too low, it will take more energy (and more money) to heat the water for baths and showers. Doing this simple thing will help you save money on your water bill during the cold winter months.
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Step 5
Install gaskets under all your outlet covers and switch plates. This improves your home's efficiency by sealing out the air drafts. Although the amount of air that can leak through a single outlet is minimal, if you multiply that small draft by the number of outlets and switches in your home, you'll see that it can be a significant cause of inefficiency in the home. Using these inexpensive gaskets can help you save money on your heating costs all winter.
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Step 6
Don't let your programmable thermostat fluctuate by more than 10%. Experts say that a indoor temperature fluctuation of more than 10% is actually less efficient (and more expensive). Letting your thermostat fluctuate between 55 and 65 degrees is less efficient than leaving it at a constant 64 or 64, because it takes more energy to heat the house back up from 55 than it would take to keep the house at a constant temperature.
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Step 7
Replace your central air or furnace filters once a month. Air moves more easily, and your heating system won't have to work as hard, if you keep your filters clean by installing a new one each month. This will help save money on your heating utility bills all month long.
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Step 8
Do your baking during the colder hours of the day (morning and evening), in order to use the heat from the oven to heat your home.
