Crank up your heat and put on your parka (not really!). It's cold here in Michigan and many other states as well. So how do you keep your home warm without making your heating bill skyrocket? Some things may seem like common sense, but I am going to go a little more in depth here and help you keep money in your pocket and heat in your home with some free or inexpensive tips on "winterizing" your home.
Having new energy efficient heating systems and windows are a great help and will save money on your energy costs in the long run and if you can afford it are well worth it. But, in the meantime there are many things you can do to help cut your heating costs.
Turn down your thermostat
If no one is in your home during the day, turn down your thermostat. Not off, just lower it by a few degrees. No need to have it warm while no one is home. Turn it back up when you are home.
Cover your windows
Plastic, blankets, towels, thermal drapes....
Plastic Window Covering:
This will cost a few dollars per window, but can save hundreds over a long hard winter. This is usually the preferred method, as it isn't unsightly and still lets light in.
There are many plastic window insulation/covering kits on the market. Some are shrink wrap, some are tack-on, some are just large sheets of plastic while others are kits. Depending on your budget and what you are comfortable with using, there is a style for everyone. Usually most rolled plastic will cover 2 or 3 windows, depending on size and kits are sold to cover everything from large picture windows to 5 small windows.
Try not to get overwhelmed with all of the plastic and measuring, knowing what thickness, etc you may need.
Determine how many windows and the size of each. Measure the height and width of each window, adding a few inches for overhang window sills and other obstructions. Add a couple inches for each side of the window frame to allow for leeway. Attaching the plastic can also be done many ways. Some kits come with an adhesive strip you adhere to the wall. However, you could also use items you may have on hand such as tape, thumb tacks or staples. They may all cause damage to your walls, so use caution in deciding your method. Also, if you are a renter, you may find it beneficial to speak to your landlord about their policy for putting small holes in the wall or taping things to the wall.
Example of a kit: http://www.amazon.com/Duck-Brand-1299529-5-Window--210-Inch/dp/B000NHY1P0/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1325634510&sr=8-2
Example of a roll of plastic: http://www.amazon.com/Warp-Brothers-SP-4CH10-C-Coverall-Sheeting/dp/B000WJVVF2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1325634590&sr=8-1
Blankets and towels:
Blankets and towels are a common thing to use to cover windows. They come in many sizes and people often have extra around their home. If you plan to use these for your window coverings, try to use ones that you designate only for this purpose. You can pack them up in the spring all together and they are ready to go come cold weather. This is a free way to help keep your heat in, however, it also keeps light from coming in. Usually, most blankets and towels can be tacked up to your window frame with just a few tacks and greatly help keep heat in and cold out.
Thermal Drapes:
Thermal backed drapes are a bit more expensive than regular drapes and than other window covering alternatives. The benefits of them may be worth it though, as they can be matched to your decor, keep light and heat out in the summer and heat in during the winter. They are easily opened and if cared for properly, can last years.
Thermal drapes: http://www.amazon.com/Thermal-Insulated-Blackout-Curtains-Chocolate/dp/B001A67EI4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1325637466&sr=8-1
Seal your windows
Even newer windows can be drafty, here are some tips to seal the drafts coming through your window:
If your window has caulking around the edges, check that there isn't any broken or missing caulk, or caulk that is pulling away from the frame. If you find you have a problem with the caulking, it is an inexpensive and fairly easy fix. You can purchase caulk and an applicator gun for around $5 from any hardware or home improvement store, or even a store such as Walmart or Target. Here is a video with instructions:
http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/how-to-caulk-windows.html
Make sure your windows are all the way closed, locked if your window has locks. Be sure you have your storm windows in if your window has storm windows as well.
Alternative methods of heating
Using a wood burning stove or fireplace can be a great cost effective way of heating, but for those of us who don't have those, here are some other low cost heating methods
Space heaters:
If you have a drafty home or tend to spend most of your time in one room and would like to keep the heat down throughout your home, space heaters can be an option. Select an energy efficient heater that is just the right size to heat your room. No need to purchase a huge heater to heat a small room. There are many styles of heaters, so select the type that you are most comfortable with. Also, be very cautious as space heaters (even new ones) can be very dangerous.
DOS: check the cord for cracks
place on a flat, stable surface free and clear of any obstruction or things that can get caught in it such as
papers, curtains, plants, etc
use only when you are in the room
keep away from children and pets
make sure to read the manufacturer instructions
plug directly into a stable wall outlet, do not use extension cords as this may cause the plug to melt or
a fire
use space heaters for the area you are heating as per manufacturer instructions
use on the lowest setting that keeps the temperature you are comfortable with, keeping it on full blast
could cause it to overheat or blow fuses
use a newer heater with safety features such as tip-over shut off, overheat protection, etc
DON'T: use while sleeping
use when not in room
use heaters not meant for the space you are wanting to heat
use if casing is cracked or melted or cord/ plug is damaged
use in room with children where adult is not present.
use as your main/ only heat source
set on unstable surface or near other objects
Heating Blankets:
Heating blankets can help with cold winter nights and most newer models are energy efficient and cost little to use. It is not always necessary to keep the blanket on throughout the night. Usually, heating it for 30-60 minutes before bed is enough to heat up your bed and your body heat will help to maintain warmth under the blanket, so you can turn it off while sleeping and save money by doing so.
Baking :
Winter time is a good time to use your oven to bake. From casseroles to cookies, use the cold weather as an opportunity to use your oven more, and heat your home. Using the oven heats up your home just with baking. However, you can squeeze a bit more heat out of it after your food is done. Once you have turned your oven off, open the oven door just enough to let the remaining heat out. Be cautious about doing this with small children and pets around. Why waste the heat trapped in your oven? Put it to good use!
Vaporizers:
The warm steam from a vaporizer adds a bit of heat to a smaller room, like a bedroom. Also moisture which is much needed in the dry winter months. A vaporizer doesn't have to be expensive or fancy, a traditional style one will do just fine. It helps keep you warmer at night and helps keep your sinuses from drying out as well! For about $15, you can buy one. I have one like this and it works just fine. http://www.amazon.com/Vicks-1-5-Gallon-Vaporizer-Night-Light/dp/B0000TN7ME/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1325640068&sr=8-1
Candles:
While candles may not be ideal for people with small children and pets, they can add a bit of heat as well as ambiance. If you're like me, you have stocked yourself to the teeth with after holiday candle sales, so this is a low cost and calming way to add a bit of warmth. They don't add much heat, but if placing a few fairly close to you, you do feel a heat from them.
Doors and other drafty places
Many people have weather stripping on the bottom of their exterior doors to help keep debris and wind out of their home. The rubber strip that attaches to the bottom of your door. However, some doors don't have these, or they may not be enough to help keep out the cold. Using an old rolled up towel or small blanket in front of doors you rarely or never use during the winter can help reduce the drafts. Consider putting one in front of your basement door as well. They can also be used for main doors, but may need constant attention to be moved out of the way or rolled back up.
Crawl spaces can also be a place drafts come in. If your crawl space entrance is like a trap door on the floor, consider placing a throw rug over top of it to keep cool air out.
Older homes are notorious for drafts coming from places you wouldn't even think. Try to seal out cracks and holes where drafts may be coming in.
Keeping yourself warm in winter
Aside from heating your home, here are some tips on keeping yourself warm in the cold.
*Layer your clothing. Example: thermal or long sleeve shirt, t-shirt, sweater, (if going outside) coat.
*Thick socks, thermal socks and slippers are great around the house for keeping your feet warm.
*fleece or flannel pajamas. Even if you one of those people who can't sleep with clothing, wear them to bed and after your bed is warmed with the heat of your body, you can always remove your clothing if preferred.
*Hot drinks such as cocoa, coffee, tea help warm you inside, making you feel warmer overall.
*soups and broths also seem to have a warming effect on your body as well
*Hot showers or baths.
These are just a few tips, if you have more, please share!
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