8 Tips to Winterize Your Home on a Budget

With winter right around the corner, it is important to try to find ways to winterize your home so you can keep the cold out and the heat in. Here are some great cost-effective tips that will help keep your energy bill down this winter.

1) Clean Your Gutters

With clean gutters, water can flow freely which will reduce icicles and ice dams from forming when it snows.

2) Flush the Water Heater

An easy way to help your water heater to run more efficiently is to flush it out. Over time sediment can build up in the bottom of your water heater, which can cause it to run less efficiently. To flush out your water heater use the drain valve to clear out any material that may have accumulated over time.

3) Clockwise Ceiling Fans

By switching your ceiling fans to move in a clockwise direction in the winter time, they will help push the hot air down from the ceiling towards the floor. This will help keep your rooms feeling warmer.

4) Window Insulation Film

Using window insulation film can keep up to 70% of heat from leaking out your windows, which could lead to keeping those heating costs down.

5) Draft Guards

Heat can easily escape under doors. Draft guards are a really easy way to prevent heat loss from under doors, and are really easy to install.

6) Replace Filters

A great way to increase your efficiency and longevity of your heating system is to replace filters regularly. Heading into winter is a great time to change out those filters.

7) Weatherstrip Tape

If you are still looking for a way to cut down on drafts and air leaks, then give weatherstrip tape a try. It will provide a tight seal on windows and doors so cold air can't get in.

8) Programmable Thermostat

Using a programmable thermostat can save you money on your energy bill. According to the US Department of Energy you can save as much as 1% on your energy bill for every degree you lower you home's temperature during the winter months.