With homeowners increasingly concerned about rising energy costs, energy efficiency is on a lot of peoples’ minds, especially when the temperatures fluctuate, as they have this winter.
The good news is that making your home more energy efficient doesn’t have to break the bank. In fact, if you take a few steps to insulate your home now, you can save hundreds of dollars this year on your electricity or gas bills. Here are five easy ways to help make sure your home remains comfortable, no matter the season.
1) Weatherstripping
If you have an older home, you might not have insulated windows. Just like the inside of your car doors, your windows and doors can be weatherstripped to prevent heat or cold from escaping your home. Plus, it’s something you can do yourself. Check out this DIY video.
2) Curtains
Adding curtains may be one of the most overlooked ways of improving energy efficiency in the home. Heavier curtains prevent drafts, and curtains made of lighter materials can keep your home cooler. It also helps to put a curtain on any glass interior doors (e.g.: balcony outlets) to prevent nighttime drafts.
3) Window Insulation
Window insulation kits come in handy when the cooler breezes of fall and winter come around. They’re available in most hardware or home improvement supply stores. Putting this film on your windows might not be the prettiest option, but it’s highly effective at keeping your home at a level tempearture. If you’re unhappy with the way it makes your front-facing windows look, save it for places in the house that aren’t as visible.
4) Cellular Shades
These shades are also known as “honeycomb” blinds for their shape, and are a perfect option for many homes. Cellular shades are made of two layers of fabric with room between them. When pulled down, air pockets form between the two pieces of fabric, providing a layer of insulation.
5) Door Snake
It might look old-fashioned, but nothing stops drafts from rushing underneath a door like a door snake. This is another easy DIY project, involving some fabric, a little sewing, and dry beans, rice or sand. Watch a tutorial here.