As the weather begins to change into winter and your family migrates indoors, a lot of energy can be wasted keeping your home comfortable.
If you feel cold air circulating, check for drafts coming from the doors and windows. Look to see if the caulking or weather stripping is damaged. If it is damaged or even destroyed, replace it immediately. Cold air coming in at the bottom of a door may be stopped by a “Draft dodger”or a rolled up towel or rug. Draw the drapes or blinds closed during the evening and night hours. Open them to let the sun in during the daytime hours.
Experiment with the setting on your thermostat. If you start early in the season as you are getting accustomed to the cold, you may be able to set it one to two degrees colder than you did in previous years. A few more layers of clothing will also help keep you comfortable. A throw blanket or afghan will help while you are relaxing to watch television or other sedentary occupation. Shut off the furnace vents in unused rooms.
Sources: Various
