Reduce Utility Bills

Eliminating drafts will reduce heating as well as cooling costs. At night when the sun is down (or in the middle of the day in the summer), run hand along windows and doorways to feel for drafts of cold or hot air entering the home. Once drafty areas are identified, take steps to eliminate the drafts.

When time, costs, or skill prevent the use of weather stripping around windows, tape can be used instead. It may not be attractive and may give your home that redneck look, but it is inexpensive and quick temporary fix. Duct tape or packing tape work well. This only works for windows that are not being used.CAUTION-some tape will damage walls and be difficult to remove from glass.
Use weather stripping around doors. Be certain it is positioned properly to prevent hot air (or cool air in the summer) from escaping and cold air (hot air in the summer) from entering a home. Putting a door draft stopper at the bottom of the door is helpful. There are many different styles that can be purchased or made using foam, stuffing, or a combination of cedar shavings and sand.

Some glass windows hold outside temperatures and it is transfered to the inside. Heavy curtains or curtain liners can block the cold (or heat in the summer) from windows, minimizing the effect on temperature change in a home.

Limit trips outside and the drafts that occur every time the door is opened. Prepare before leaving the house so the door isn’t left open any longer than needed and a second trip isn’t made to retrieve a forgotten gloves or other items. Be sure doors are completely shut every time they are used.

Eliminating and reducing drafts will result in reduced utility bills during the winter.