Perhaps the second step for an energy efficient home (the first being an energy audit) is to watherize your home. One of the best ways to seal up your home is to start with windows and doors. With a few green tips for winter, window weatherization and green living can take you through to a brand-new spring.

A little bit of weather-stripping goes a long long way

The best place to start is by purchasing some inexpensive weather-stripping. Be sure to check drafts around all windows and doors. Don’t forget your storm doors as well.

Plastic film

One of the oldest and probably best ways to seal your home from drafts is to use stretch seal, heat shrink plastic wrap. This provides for an air-tight seal against drafts leaking in and heat escaping out.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3PkFKG4b7ic

Air conditioning units

If you have air-conditioning units that can come out of the window and get put away, now is the time to do it. If you have in the wall air conditioning units make certain to seal it up from the outside in. Your local home store will carry covers to cover up and seal up tight those air-conditioning units which can cause a major source of draft.

Heavy draperies

Don’t forget to replace your spring and summer curtains with heavier insulated draperies. You may think you are simply decorating; however, you are also cutting the costs of electricity by keeping heat in your home.

Electric blankets

If you want to lower your thermostat, you may want to consider purchasing electric blankets instead of keeping the heat on too high at night. Keeping the heat on too high, of course, raises your bills, however, it also causes upper respiratory illness with all that dry air, as well.

By using an electric blanket, you lower the thermostat and lower the chances of letting that heat go out the window.

So, as you can see, these are just a few of many great ways to save money, save energy, and stay warm all at the same time. If you practice these rituals, you will be surprised that year after year your energy bills will go down all the while you conserve energy. That is a win/win situation for everyone involved.