Winter is coming… are you ready?

We are trying to save money by not eating out as much, shopping less, watching our budget and so on. How about cutting our utility bills? For most of us, it is a given that we pay X amount a month for gas and electricity. In reality, there is plenty money to be saved on these if we pay attention (and take care of) a few things.

Find the drafts

You can do this by holding a candle  or an incense near windows, doors, electrical outlets, range hoods, plumbing and ceiling fixtures, attic hatches, and ceiling fans in bathrooms—anywhere drafts might sneak in. If you can see flame or smoke movement, you need to seal up the area. Make sure you know what kind of sealant you need to use.

Check your attic’s insulation

You need several inches of insulation covering the tops of the joists. If this is not the case, you need to add more insulation.

Check wall insulation

To do this, you need to remove the electrical outlet covers. Make sure you shut off the electricity to the box you are checking. Once the cover is removed, you are able to look into the wall and see if there’s any insulation in there.

Check exposed ducts

Heating, cooling and ventilation ducts are made of thin metal. Metal conducts heat very well. You can insulate these ducts and seal any holes you can see.

Check any cables, vents etc that goes through the exterior walls

Cable and satellite dish installers rarely seal the holes they drill to get the cables in the house. You should start with these. Most homes have at least 2 of these in the walls. Also, check plumbing lines underneath sinks and the dryer vent.

If you diligently check your home for these, you can save a nice chunk of money on your utility bills.

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