Kathy’s Home & Garden Tips – Save Some Heat in the House

The weather around Chicago this year has been a little crazy. There wasn’t much cold weather till around Thanksgiving when we had our first snow. Then it was unseasonably warm through Christmas with some 60-degree days! Now in January, the cold seems to be back. Some of us were lulled into a feeling that we have time to winterize! There is still time to save both heat and money in your home.

Check your doors; especially in older homes. Are there gaps at the top and bottom? Install a sweep at the bottom of the door and replace the threshold. Use felt or foam strips on the inside of the door frame. 

Reverse your ceiling fan to bring warm air down from the ceiling. Close drapes at night and on cloudy days. Then open them on sunny ones. Install a programmable thermostat. If you don’t want to replace your old one, don’t adjust the temperature frequently. Just adjust twice a day: down at night and up in the morning.

Insulation can be easier than you think. Check energy.gov for hints on attic insulation or Google it. Cold weather areas need R49 while warmer ones can get away with R38. Caulk or foam insulation can seal cracks all over from windows, chimneys, and vents to areas in the basement. In basements, seal around electric and plumbing. Seal around the foundation at the top of basement walls where they meet the wood. 

Insulate exposed pipes in the house; especially those in basements, under sinks, and along exterior walls. Use precut foam sleeves and seal hot water pipes to reserve heat. 

Service the furnace regularly. Change the filter monthly or even every three weeks;  especially if you have pets. Think about budgeting for a new one if yours is more than 20 years old. New models are so much more efficient. Seal visible furnace vents with metal tape, not duct tape. Seal seams and connections where ducts and registers meet floors, walls, and ceilings. Keep the damper closed when fireplaces are not in use.  

KATHLEEN WEAVER-ZECH & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO