As winter continues to roll on, it’s a good idea to protect your home from the cold. As a new storm and polar vortex takes aim at much of the country there are steps to take so your energy bills don’t break the bank:
- Protect your pipes by installing water-leak sensors and automatic shutoffs. Familiarize yourself with your main water valve and know how to shut it off in case of an emergency.
- Drip faucets overnight to prevent them from freezing.
- Maintain your heating systems by regularly replacing filters and ensuring vents are clean and undamaged. For those using fuel to heat their homes, make sure the fuel tanks are filled and being monitored.
- To limit energy use and retain heat, close all vents and shut all doors to rooms you're not actively using. If you have a basement door, ensure that it's closed. To keep out drafts, place a rolled towel at the bottom of all doors.
- About 30-percent of heating escapes through windows, so it's recommended to cover them with curtains, blinds or other insulation materials such as blankets at night. During the day, these covers can be taken off to take advantage of heat from the sun, especially if the window is receiving direct sunlight. If your windows have any gaps, weather stripping or caulk can be used to keep cold air out.
Source: Fox 23