Things You'll Need:
- Window caulk
- Weatherstripping for doors and windows
- Shrink wrap plastic window covering
- Insulated window treatments
- Electrical outlet and switch insulators
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Step 1
Do a thorough assessment of your home, paying close attention to the locations where heat can leak out and the cold can sneak in. Windows, doors and fireplaces are some of the biggest culprits. Identify areas where windows need to be caulked and doors could benefit from tighter seals with weatherstripping. Make the repairs and installations as necessary.
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Step 2
Tightly close storm windows and install shrink wrap plastic coverings on windows. These kits are found at hardware stores and most discount stores. Installing insulated window treatments will greatly reduce cold drafts. Open the window covering on the sunny side of your house when the sun is shining. Close them as soon as the sun goes down.
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Step 3
Electrical outlets and switches can be a source of cold drafts, especially on the first floor of your home. Insulators can be purchased at hardware stores and most discount stores.
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Step 4
Stop heating areas of your house you do not use. Close doors to extra bedrooms, dens or sitting rooms. Cover or close heating vents and turn down thermostats for those rooms.
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Step 5
Use bathroom and kitchen ventilation fans only as needed and for short periods of time. These devices suck warm, heated air out of your home.
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Step 6
Turn down the thermostat. Wear a sweater and heat frequently used rooms with space heaters.
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Step 7
Have a certified professional service your furnace at the beginning of your cold weather season. Clean or replace furnace filters often. A clean furnace is a more efficient furnace.
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Step 8
Replace your old thermostat with a programmable thermostat to allow you to select times when the temperature can be lower, such as at night when you are sleeping or during times when you will be away from your home.
