Prepare Your Home For Winter
MIDWEST WINTERS CAN BE BRUTAL
(curtesy of JULIE Inc.) With the temperatures going down, heating bills are on going up. According to ComEd, one of our members, here are a few tips to help keep your home warm in the cold winter days ahead.
TURN DOWN THE THERMOSTAT – You can save 2 to 3% in energy costs for every degree you lower your thermostat around the clock. Lowering the heat from 72° to 65° for eight hours per day can save you as much as 10% on annual heating costs.
SEAL DRAFTY WINDOWS – Caulk any gaps and cracks around window frames. Be sure that windows are fully shut. Put up interior window plastic on poorly-sealed windows.
KEEP YOUR FURNACE OR BOILER IN SHAPE – Oil-fired systems need annual maintenance. Gas systems and heat pumps typically need a checkup every two years.
CLOSE FIREPLACE DAMPERS WHEN NOT IN USE – An open fireplace damper pulls warm air from the house. Be sure to close dampers after ashes have gone cold.
LET THE HEAT REACH YOU – Dust or vacuum radiators, baseboard heaters and furnace duct openings often and keep them free of obstructions like furniture, carpets and drapes.