Posted by Sudbury Northern Life
(NC)-This winter, make your home a warm haven from
snowstorms and the cold by properly preparing for the
temperature drop. Winterproofing will boost your home's energy
efficiency, save you money and help keep the whole family cozy.
The following is a winterizing checklist to help you prepare
your home before the snow falls.
-  Draft-proof windows and doors. Sealing cracks with
weather stripping or caulking is an easy, cost-efficient way to
prevent cold air from coming in. This is especially true in
homes more than 20 years old, where air leakage can account for
up to 40 per cent of overall heat loss.
-  Insulate cold areas. Insulate colder areas of the home
such as the attic, porch or basement to reduce heat loss and
save more on energy bills.
-  Lay down rugs. Insulate cold flooring such as tile or
hardwood, by laying down a stylish area rug. Your feet and pets
will thank you.
-  Install a programmable thermostat. A programmable
thermostat means you never need to remember to adjust your
home's temperatures at night or when you're away. Used
properly, it can reduce heating bills by up to 10 per cent per
year.
-  Check the furnace. Clean or replace your furnace's air
filter each month to increase heat circulation and reduce fuel
costs. Do regular maintenance checks, clear away any flammables
and call in an expert installer if there are any significant
problems.
-  Prep the fireplace. Test the damper and clean the
chimney to make sure the fireplace is ready for use. Remember
to use a safety grate and all the necessary tools for
worry-free fires.
