Greensboro, NC - So you pulled out your sweaters, your jackets and found your hat and gloves, but what about your house? Is your home just as prepared for the cold months ahead?
Just a few quick tricks will help. News 2's Tracey McCain and Southern Evergreen's Tom Garcia get us started with your basic checklist to get your home ready for winter.
1 - Stop Wasteful Drafts- Buy a draft snake or simply roll up a blanket or towel and place it at the door. Draft snakes are inexpensive yet effective. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, drafts can waste up to 30% of energy use annually.
2 - Caulk Gaps - Little gaps in windows, doors or cracks can let cool air in or let hot air out. Either way, you're raising your energy bill. Check the caulk around your doors and windows outside to see if they've deteriorated over time. Sealing up drafts will save you up to 30% of energy use per year.
3- Install Storm Doors - Installing storm doors and sealing drafts can help reduce air flow. Adding just one storm door can increase energy efficiency by 45 percent.
4 - Change The Direction of Your Ceiling Fan - Counter-clockwise rotation produces cooling breezes and clockwise rotation produces warmer air. This method will cut your heating costs by 10 percent.
5 - Control Your Thermostat - Set your thermostat 50 or 55 degrees when you go to bed and work. But keep it on. Turning down your thermostat 10 to 15 degrees for eight hours a day can save 10% per year.
6 - Insulation, Insulation, Insulation - Pile it up! Using a ton of insulation is one of the best ways to save on your energy bill. Add it between your wall, attic floor and basement ceiling to stay warm.