Interior Projects
    Fireplace Makeover
    Hardwood Flooring
    Staining Your Tile Grout
    Caulk & Caulking

  Bathroom Facelift
    Vanities & Sinks
    Vanity Tops
    Faucets
    Tub/Shower Doors
    Medicine Cabinets
    Floor Tile
    Electrical & Lighting
    Walls & Ceiling
    Accessories
 
  Basement Tips
    Lighting Techniques
    Sump Pumps
    Contain Water Intrusion

  Deck & Patio
    Cleaning & Stripping
    Power Washing
    Staining Your Deck
    Furnishing Your Patio

  Energy Related Tips
    Savings for the summer
    Savings for the winter
    Hot Water Savings
 
  Home Security
    General Security Tips
    Security Lighting
    Security Cameras
    Lock Bumping
 
  Storage Solutions
    Closet (Reach In)
    Closet (Walk In)
    Pantry
    Basement

  Out Of The Normal
    Hockey Centerpieces
    Winter Cat Shelter

WINTER ENERGY SAVING TIPS

• Remember that new windows must be installed correctly to avoid air leaks around the frame. Look for a reputable, qualified installer.

• In temperate climates with both heating and cooling seasons, select windows with both low U-values and low solar heat gain coefficiency (SHGC) to maximize energy benefits.

• Select windows with air leakage ratings of 0.3 cubic feet per minute or less.

• Remember, the lower the U-value, the better the insulation. In colder climates, a U-value of 0.35 or below is recommended. These windows have at least double glazing and a low-e coating.

• When you're shopping for new windows, look for the National Fenestration Rating Council label; it means the window's performance is certified.

• Installing new, high-performance windows will improve your home's energy performance. While it may take many years for new windows to pay off in energy savings, the benefits of added comfort and improved aesthetics and functionality may make the investment worth it to you.

• Apply sun-control or other reflective films on south-facing windows to reduce solar gain.

• Install awnings on south- and west-facing windows.

• Close curtains on south- and west-facing windows during the day.

• Install white window shades, drapes, or blinds to reflect heat away from the house.

• Repair and weatherize your current storm windows, if necessary.

• Install exterior or interior storm windows; storm windows can reduce heat loss through the windows by 25% to 50%. Storm windows should have weatherstripping at all moveable joints; be made of strong, durable materials; and have interlocking or overlapping joints. Low-e storm windows save even more energy.

• Keep windows on the south side of your house clean to let in the winter sun.

• Close your curtains and shades at night; open them during the day.

• Install tight-fitting, insulating window shades on windows that feel drafty after weatherizing.

• You can use a heavy-duty, clear plastic sheet on a frame or tape clear plastic film to the inside of your window frames during the cold winter months. Remember, the plastic must be sealed tightly to the frame to help reduce infiltration.

• Conduct an energy audit of your home to find air leaks and to check for the proper level of insulation. Common sources of air leaks include cracks around windows and doors, gaps along baseboard, mail chutes, cracks in brick, siding, stucco or foundation, or where any external lines (phone, cable, electric, and gas) enter the home.

• To test for air leaks on your own, on a windy day, hold a lit candle next to windows, doors, electrical outlets, or light fixtures to test for leaks. Also, tape clear plastic sheeting to the inside of your window frames if drafts, water condensation, or frost are present.

• Plug air leaks with caulking, sealing, or weather stripping to save 10 percent or more on your energy bill.

• Adequate insulation in your attic, ceilings, exterior and basement walls, floors, and crawlspaces, as recommended for your geographical area, can save you up to 30 percent on home energy bills.

• Installing storm windows over single-pane windows or replacing them with ENERGY STAR® windows can reduce heat loss from air leakage, and reflect heat back into the room during the winter months to save even more energy.

• In cold climates, ENERGY STAR® windows can reduce your heating bills by 30 to 40 percent compared to uncoated, single-pane windows, according to the Efficient Windows Collaborative.

• Close fireplace dampers when not in use. A chimney is designed for smoke to escape, so until you close it, warm air escapes.