Cleaning
√ Vacuum under and behind your freezer and refrigerator to improve the efficiency of the unit.
√ Have the chimney cleaned and checked by a professional.
Windows & Doors
√ Replace broken locks and latches.
√ Caulk around frames.
√ Check the condition of putty around windowpanes; reseal if putty is cracked or coming off.
√ Make sure all windows open and shut properly.
√ Check for gaps around pipes and wires that go through exterior walls; caulk so air can’t leak through.
Air Sealing & Insulation
√ Make sure attic insulation is rated at least R30; walls should be insulated to R11.
√ Consider insulating basement walls.
√ Insulate crawl spaces.
√ Insulate pipes and ducts that run through unheated areas.
√ Check into blown-in wall insulation if your house was built before 1950.
Heating & Ventilation
√ Make sure all vents are free of obstructions.
√ Adjust vents by opening those near the floor and closing those near the ceiling for better winter circulation.
√ Test your furnace before the weather gets cold.
√ Have your heating system checked by a professional.
√ Consider replacing your heating system if it is older than 15 years.
√ Replace furnace filters.
Safety
√ Install a carbon monoxide alarm near heating appliances and on every floor of your home.
√ Never operate a vehicle, lawn mower, snow blower or other fuel-burning equipment in an attached garage, even with the door open.
√ Do not use your gas range or oven for heat. Never burn charcoal indoors.
√ Make sure your clothes dryer is properly vented and free of lint.
√ If you use a fireplace, crack a window one to two inches to allow fresh air into the room.
