The temperature outside at my house is 30 degrees this morning which must mean Winter is near. Below are some tips courtesy of Jefferson Livingston at Pillar to Post Home Inspections on how to keep you home safe and warm in the cold temperatures.

Seal Drafts - Seal holes, cracks, and openings in your home to stop the flow of heat through the walls and ceiling.

Keep Your Pipes Pumping – Pay less for hot water by insulating pipes. This will also decrease the chance of pipes freezing.

Clean Those Gutters – Once the leaves fall, remove them and other debris from your home’s gutters so that rain, melting snow, and ice can drain properly.

Bundle Up – If you have a tank style water heater, wrap it in an insulation blanket to prevent needless energy use.

Turn It Down – Many conventional water heaters are set too high. Try lowering the temperature setting a notch. A lower setting may be hot enough. When you leave the house, turn down your thermostat so you aren’t paying for heat you don’t need – or consider installing a simple programmable thermostat that will adjust the temperature automatically.

Furnace Care – A simple way to keep your home warm while cutting down on energy waste is by replacing your furnace filters or cleaning them as needed. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Insulate – One of the most effective ways to keep a home warm is to install adequate insulation. This is especially true in attics and crawlspaces. Insulation helps keep the home cool in summer and warm in winter.

Use Energy Star® – Energy Star qualified products help you save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Energy Star label can be found on more than 40 different kinds of products for the home including heating and cooling equipment, electronics, lighting, and appliances  

Source: Pillar to Post Home Inspections