Keeping your home warm can be difficult in extremely cold temperatures. It can also be very expensive! However, there are ways you can help insulate your home from the cold without driving up the electric bill.
Doors / Windows
- Close the doors to rooms you don’t use often.
- Limit opening exterior and garage doors.
- Check your doors and windows for gaps that could let in drafts. Seal these gaps to keep the cold air from getting inside.
- Gaps can be sealed using weatherstripping, pool noodles, thick towels or blankets, caulk, door sweeps, etc.
- Put rolled towels under doors to block drafts. This is especially useful for exterior doors, like the back door.
- Cover doggy doors and mail slots with a towel to stop mini drafts.
- Open blinds or curtains during the day to let in sunlight.
- Close blinds at night to keep the heat inside.
- Bubble wrap can be used to insulate windows from cold weather.
Inside Your Home
- Keep radiators and air vents open and clear from blockages.
- Change the direction of your ceiling fans to counterclockwise. This will push the warm air down and help distribute air evenly throughout the house.
- Rugs can help block drafts and cold air from escaping through the floor and keep your feet warm.
- Consider dressing in layers to keep your body warm. Don’t forget fuzzy socks!
Heating Safety
- Never use your oven or a grill to heat your home.
- Pets need extra care when it gets cold! Keep them safe and warm this winter.
- If you use a space heater, review these tips to stay safe and warm.
- Have a gas or wood fireplace? Check out these tips to help you stay safe when using fireplaces.
- Make sure your carbon monoxide (CO) detectors are working! CO is found in fumes produced when fuel is burned in cars or trucks, small engines, stoves, lanterns, grills, fireplaces, gas ranges, or furnaces. It can build up indoors and poison people and animals who breathe it. Learn more about how to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning at home.
Prevent Frozen Pipes
- A major concern when it becomes very cold outside are indoor pipes freezing.
- You can help prevent frozen pipes by opening cabinet doors to circulate warm air around the pipes.
- Drip water from the faucet at a trickle.
Information and tips courtesy of FEMA, State Farm, Family Handyman, and This Old House.
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