Winterize Your Home: Dam the Drafts

The weather outside may be getting frightful, but home should still be delightful — and green. This week’s tips will help you get cozy without turning up the thermostat. 

Tip #1: Dam the Drafts

Drafts can waste 5% to 30% of your energy use. Start simple: Plug up a drafty door with a rolled-up towel, or get creative and make a googly-eyed draft snake. For a few bucks, you can insulate windows with shrink film and seal gaps with caulking. To further reduce airflow, install storm windows and doors, which save up to 45% of energy. Do your old, drafty windows need replacing? Invest in an efficient set, which, if you install it by Dec. 31, qualifies for a federal tax credit covering 30% of the cost, up to $1,500.

Tip #2: Prepare for Snow

Tip #3: Take the Fridge Outside

Tip #4: Three Quick Tricks

Tell us: What do you do to reduce drafts in your home?