WINTERIZING TIPS
By taking a few easy steps, individuals can take action on their own to better
seal and insulate their homes against the cold. If you keep heat from escaping and cold air from seeping in, you won't be expending unneeded energy, and you can watch your energy bills go down.
Chimneys
If you leave your chimney flue open when you don't have a fire (or smoldering embers), warm air escapes from your chimney 24 hours a day and is much the same as leaving a window wide open in the winter. If the flue is closed but not tightly, warm air still rises through it—so check it carefully. (Also, when you are using your fireplace, be sure to re-open the flue and to turn down your thermostat so you aren't doing double duty heating your home.)
Windows
Close and latch tightly all windows. Often, if windows are just closed but not locked, they leave a slim opening at the top through which cold air seeps. Close storm windows. If you don’t have storms, King Shade on Centre Street can help you decide what will work best for your home; many options exist.
Drapes and curtains
On sunny days open your drapes and curtains on south-facing windows to get the benefits of "passive" solar heating. At night, in order to provide an extra barrier to help keep out the cold air, close all drapes and curtains. Do the same all the time for any windows that do not receive direct sunlight.
Exterior wall outlets
Outlets and switches that are on exterior walls are sometimes the source of the worst air leakage. You can purchase gaskets that are designed to fit inside the covers of the outlets and switches to stop such leakage. Remove the switchplate or outlet cover and fit the gasket by pressing it into place. Replace the plate or cover.
Caulking
Caulk cracks around all leaky windows and exterior doors that you never open. If you aren’t sure how to use caulk, you can ask Al Meranda and his staff at the Atlas True Value hardware store on Centre Street to give you some tips. Or you can check online: Click here for information on how to select and apply the appropriate caulk.
Interior storm windows
You can cover leaky windows with a tight-fitting interior storm window that is far cheaper than installing an exterior storm. According to the Research Center at ToolBase Services, interior storms work by creating an airspace between the interior and exterior windows, which improves the insulating value of the window assembly and raises the interior window temperature (also improving comfort and reducing energy bills). Interior storm windows generally have mounting brackets made of vinyl or metal that are permanently fastened to one or more sides of the interior window frame and detachable glass or acrylic panes. Typically the transparent pane comes with a magnetic strip which allows it to attach easily to the bracket.
Removable window sheeting
You can also cover leaky windows that you plan to open in the spring with heavy-duty vinyl sheeting made for this purpose. Available at the hardware store, it comes with peal-and-stick edge strips that form a Ziploc-type seal to keep out the cold. There is also a product called Tyz-All, which is available from Energy Federation Inc. (800-876-0660), which can be removed in the spring and reused the next winter. It usually pays for itself in one year in energy savings.
Weather stripping
Around movable areas such as windows and doors you can install weather stripping, which comes in various depths and widths, as well as materials. The general idea is to fill any gaps between the sash and the window jamb. Again, check with Al at True Value for advice on choosing the right kind. Or you can check online: Click here for information on how to select and apply weather stripping.
Pipe insulation
If you touch any exposed hot-water pipes in your home and feel warmth, you should insulate the pipes. Purchase foam insulation at your hardware store that is made for this purpose (be sure to measure the diameter of the pipe before you go shopping). The insulation is precut so it is easy to wrap around the pipes, and it comes with a clamp to hold it in place.
Remove window air conditioners and fans
In the winter months window air conditioners and fans should be removed and stored. If you can't remove an ac or fan, cover it to minimize leakage.
Door sweeps
If your doors to the outside don't already have a "sweep" at the bottom, you can install one to eliminate the draft. They come in wood and metal; just cut them to fit and screw in place. If you don't like the way these look, you can always just tuck a heavy towel or blanket at the base of your door at night at least to cut down on the cold air flowing in during nighttime hours. You can also make or purchase
one of the stuffed fabric “snakes” available to act as draft stoppers.
Programmable thermostats
Thermostats that can be set to increase and decrease the temperature in your home automatically can be purchased for between $50 and $100. Energy Star models can be eligible for a rebate. Models allow temperatures to be set lower when you are not in the house and at night when you are asleep and then to come on in advance of returning or waking. They can be battery operated or wired into your heating system. Click here to determine which programmable thermostat is best for you.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
MassSave will provide a free home-energy assessment; call 866-527-7283. We have been told there is a substantial wait for audits, however, because so many have been requested.
Boston Building Materials Co-op (617-442-2262) sells many low-cost products that do not require special tools or skills to install that will help stop heat from escaping from your house or apartment. Click here for a sample list of their supplies, many of which have been treated above. BBMC is a good resource for information and help understanding the products and their installation and also offers home-improvement and other workshops.
Home Depot will provide you with a do-it-yourself home audit pamphlet that takes you through the steps of checking your overall energy efficiency (not just winterizing elements). When you complete the checklist, take it to Home Depot and they will assist you in collecting needed supplies. If you prefer, Home Depot Home Services will have your materials professionally installed for you.
