1. Adjust Vents Seasonally. Most vents are coordinated so that they are on the ceiling of one floor and on the floorboards of the one above. Opening baseboard heat vents—and closing ceiling vents—in the winter allows warm air to rise from the floor below. Adjust ceiling fans accordingly to control air flow with the seasons; Spring/summer, pull cool air up.
2. Seal Outlets, Switches, Windows and Doors: Air seeps in through outlets and switches. Add gaskets behind switches to help prevent insulate and prevent cold air from entering. 30% of overall energy consumption is lost through doors and windows. I put a stuffed weighted door insulator under each of my exterior doors (they look like long cats) all winter. Little cracks, big money. Stops drafts.
3. Install a New Thermostat: Many older homes have simple analog thermostats that remain at a single temperature. Program your new thermostat to (68°F) when people are home and awake. Drop the temperature to (60°F) when the home is empty and at bedtime, lowering your heating bill by 30%. I like to keep the thermostat simple.
4. Clean Your Gutters: Cleaning gutters is vital to the health of your home. Clogged gutters are a breeding ground for mold, mildew and algae spores that can seep into your home. Scoop out debris and run water from the top to bottom of the gutter with a hose. Invest in a gutter cap or screen and scrub out the inside with a gutter brush. Dirty gutters can cause roof problems, problems inside on your ceilings and create mold hazards in the most unlikely places.
5. Let the Sun In: Sunlight warms rooms naturally with passive solar heating. As the sun goes down, close blinds to retain the heat for as long as possible. South-facing windows receive the most light, so make sure to open the blinds. Conversely, in summer South facing windows can play havoc with your air conditioning so reverse this advice.
Sign up for Jan's Money Saving Updates and receive a FREE copy of our ebook, "13 Steps to Coupon Savvy."
