Stay comfortable and save money
Resident applies caulk to improve weather-stripping of a home’s exterior door.
Finding a comfortable indoor air temperature can be a challenge during these cold winter months. The Weatherization Program of SDC offers the following tips are ways to remain comfortable despite Old Man Winter.
Many people tend to turn up their thermostats when the cold sets in, but when doing so, they need to keep in mind the condition of the house. They will not be saving any energy by turning up the heat if there are any large openings in the home that lead to the outside.
There are a number of things you can look for in your home that will reduce heating costs and keep you feeling comfortable:
- Check for open windows – examine basement windows especially as these can be forgotten about and can be an open invitation for cold air to come pouring in.
- If you have a fireplace, be sure the damper is closed when not in use. If left open, it will provide a large heat leak to the outside.
- If your exterior doors don’t close tightly, move the striker/ latch plate closer to the doorstop so the door shuts snugly against the stop. Or add new weather-stripping that snugs up against the door to reduce cold drafts.
- Weather-strip ALL exterior doors, include attic hatches, bulkhead doors, and doors to cold cellars and crawlspaces. Check and replace weatherstripping when worn.
- Set your thermostat back at night and when you are gone during the day. This will save you about 1 percent on your heating usage for each degree the thermostat is set back. Using a programmable thermostat to do this will let you bring the heat back up to a comfortable temperature before you get up in the morning and before when you return home.
These are just a few tips that can help you save energy and stay comfortable in your home this winter. For more ideas, visit the Facebook page of the Social Development Commission (SDC) Weatherization Program.