


How to prep your home for winter: Part 1 - Indoors
How to prep your home for winter, part 1: indoors
The hustle and bustle of the holiday season is just around the corner, and guess what? So is that first cold snap!
Taking the time to prep the inside of your home before the cold weather hits is always a wise choice. Not only will you have peace of mind knowing your home is in tip-top shape for the chilly months ahead, you’ll save a few dollars on your utility bills, too.
So before you break out the egg nog and start hanging the stockings, consider these six tips on how to prep your home for winter.
Picture courtesy of Don Mason / Getty Images on The Spruce
1. Check for drafts
It should come as no surprise that drafty windows and doors lead to lost heat and higher energy bills. In fact, according to the US Energy Department, you can lower your home’s energy costs by up to 20$ per year by reducing drafts. It may not seem like a lot in the short term, but over the course of a lifetime, that’s a price tag that adds up!
Take a page out of Houselogic’s book with these five budget-friendly tips on how to insulate your windows and doors:
● V-seal weather stripping. This plastic weather stripping works wonders on doors and along the sides of window sashes, and won’t affect how they open or close.
● Rope caulk. This soft, sticky stuff can be pressed in place to seal windows from drafts and dirt. It can be molded to fill gaps and it can be easily removed at the end of the season.
● Shrink film. This clear plastic film can be applied with double-sided tape and seals tight when heated with a hair dryer. In the spring, simply remove it with the help of some rubbing alcohol!
● Nail polish. Have a crack in your window but don’t want to pay to replace it until spring? Clear polish can be a great, temporary solution. If applied carefully, it will fill the crack almost perfectly.
● Draft snake. Also known as draft stoppers, these simple foam tubes can be purchased for around $10. Or if you’re feeling crafty, DIY it with a bit of fabric and whatever filler you have laying around - like rice, beans, popcorn kernels or sand.
2. Have your furnace professionally serviced

3. Reverse your ceiling fans
4. Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

5. Make sure the fireplace is working
6. Consider these affordable ways to keep your home warm
We love these simple ideas from Home Advisor on affordable ways to keep your home warm in the winter. Check out their infographic below for even more budget-friendly hacks!
● Rearrange your furniture. Blocking your vents or radiator with furniture can prevent heat flow in your home. Take a look around, and if necessary, move some of the furniture around to other areas of the room to promote better air circulation.
● Consider heavy drapes. If your budget allows, consider purchasing thicker drapes or curtains for the winter months. This will serve as an extra layer of insulation for windows, and help keep the cold air out and the warm air in.
● Boil a pot of water. Boiling up some water will add humidity and warmth into the kitchen. Bonus: You can make yourself a cup of hot tea or refill hot water bottles to use as homemade blanket warmers!
Want even more ideas on how to get ready for winter? We’ve got you covered. Check out our blog post “Tips on Cutting Your Energy Bill This Winter.”