According to the weather forecast, we’re meant to have a pretty good round of lake effect snow tomorrow.  It is definitely winter here and with the onset of winter everyone starts to think about weatherproofing their homes.  I’m lucky, my new home is only a couple years old and it was built well, so it is energy efficient and stays warm or cool without costing me a bundle.  Despite this fact, I’m still looking for tips on how to keep my home warm and cosy without spending a ton.  Today, I thought I share some of what I’d found with you.

One piece of advice I found was to set your thermostat at 68.  This is warm enough for most people and it is cheaper to wear a sweater than to warm the house to t-shirt temperature.  You should also look into getting a programmable thermostat if you don’t have one.  I love mine.  It is set at 67 - 69 during the day and goes down to 58 at night when I’m in bed.  I’ve programmed it so it kicks on and warms up the house about the time I wake up.  Since I like a cool bedroom this is ideal for me.

Another interesting idea and one I’ve used in the past is to cook more casseroles and baked goods during the winter.  Not only can you make tasty and frugal meals for your family, you’re also using your oven as a heat source.  Depending on where you kitchen is placed in your home, you can warm up a couple of rooms while you cook a meal.  I also like to leave the oven door open for a bit after I’m done cooking.  Ovens take a while to cool down and can still heat the air even after they’ve been turned off.

Another easy thing to do is check the weather stripping around your doors and windows.  If it’s cracked or old, make sure you replace it.  This will help stop leaks and drafts and help keep the heat inside your house where it belongs.

You should also make sure to check your furnace filters and change them if they’re dirty.  Filters that are clogged and dirty make your furnace work harder and take longer to heat air.   Most filters should be changed every 30 to 90 days.

Finally, with shorter days come an increased need for lighting.  If you haven’t already, you should really looking into Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs.   These bulbs last longer and can save you a substantial amount over the cost of regular bulbs during their life cycle.  I have to admit, I’m not always wild about the light these give off, but they are cheaper and they do last much longer.  For savings like that, I’m willing to put up with light that’s a bit less flattering.

Posted: 11|20|08 at 8:27 am. Filed under: Organize Your House/Life.
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