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Winterizing Your Home

November 8, 2016

When a cold draft comes through the house it sends a chill down your spine. It usually hits you while you are sitting on the couch snuggled up watching your favorite Christmas movie! These cold drafts are coming from your windows and doors. BUT you can keep those chills away by sealing the deal with these tips!

CAULK — To seal cracks less than ½ inch, use caulk. There are many kinds of caulk, based on application, select grade, interior, exterior, etc. There is even a special kind to get when you are sealing a crack near a stove or fireplace.

SPRAY FOAM — To fill in small holes and large cracks, spray foam will do the trick. Because spray foam can get a little messy, consider using a latex based-foam. Do not use near things that are flammable. Keep in mind that you do not need to use types that expand on windows and doors.

WEATHER STRIPPING — Weather stripping does wonders on the moving components of doors and windows. Check your weather stripping every year to ensure it is still working properly as it typically gets a lot of wear and tear causing it to be replaced more often.

On top of sealing cracks and holes, there are also a few other tips and tricks that you can do to keep those chills away.

• Applying shades and/or drapes to your windows can help reduce heat loss by 10%. Allow the shades/drapes to be open during the day to allow sunlight in, which will help keep the home warm without having to turn the heat up so high. At night, close them to keep in the warm air, and cold air out.
• It is time to cover up your air conditioner. Although the weather in the state of Tennessee doesn’t get unbearably cold, it is smart to keep an eye on the weather in case there is a bad snow/ice storm coming. You may not find it necessary to cover up your air conditioner, but it could help prevent damage from happening during an ice storm or blizzard.
• Change your ceiling fan(s) to spin clockwise. By spinning clockwise and on a low speed, it will force the warm air back down to you.
• Clean out your gutters. We all know it’s not the most fun job out there, but it will help prevent damages to your roof caused by ice.
• Lower your thermostat by 5-10 degrees each night. This can help save 10-20 percent of energy. This is where programmable thermostats come in handy! If it feels like there is a little chill, throw on some extra layers, and pull out that afghan your grandma made for you!
• Check your furnace filters, make sure that they are clean and in contact. If not, replace them. You can find them at any hardware store, as well as many retail stores. This is an important task to do, because access build-up of dust and lent could cause a fire.

We hope that these tips will help keep you warm this winter, as well as save you a little money!