5 Tips to Conserve Energy this Winter
Winter is coming. This year, why not get ahead of those heating bills by preparing your home to conserve energy now?
Earlier this week we looked at whether it was feasible to power your house with potatoes (hint: it's not), and we talked a little bit about energy efficiency. Making your home more efficient is a great way to conserve energy and reduce your electric and gas bills. Now is the perfect time to get your home ready for the cold months. You can feel good about not using dirty coal or natural gas to heat your home, and you can save some cash to boot.
Winter is my least favorite season. I get chilled pretty easily, and I basically spend all winter with cold hands and feet. It's tempting to reach for the thermostat when you're freezing. Before you touch that dial, try some of these DIY ideas to conserve energy this winter!
1. Winterize Your Windows to Conserve Energy
Replacing drafty windows with efficient ones is great, but if that's not in your budget you can still seal up your windows to help keep that heated air inside of your home and keep drafts out. Click here for deets!
2. Insulate Your Attic Door
You would be shocked at how much warm air hides in your house's attic and at how much of that warm air gets sucked up there through the attic door. It's super simple to insulate your attic door to conserve energy. Check out how right here!
3. Cover the Floor
A rug can really make your house feel more comfortable during the chilly months. You can even keep your rugs rolled up under the bed and just pull them out in winter when you need them. Don't have a rug? Check out this fun rag rug tutorial!
4. Use a Programmable Thermostat
There's no sense in keeping your house toasty warm while you're bundled up in bed or away for the day at work. A programmable thermostat will turn the heat up and down on a schedule for you to conserve energy. Check out this video from Home Depot on how to install one yourself. It's simpler than you might think!
5. Make (or buy) a Draft Dodger
Drafts that sneak in under your doors and windows can do a number on your heating bill. A draft dodger is a simple tube of fabric stuffed with sand, rice, or other small, heavy materials. Slide one snugly against the bottom of your door or window to keep that cold air outside where it belongs. Learn to make your own draft dodger here!
Have you done any simple DIY projects to get your home cold-weather-ready? Share your tips to conserve energy in the comments!
Image Credit: Icy Window photo via Bigstock