Now, You Should…
Insulate windows:
Keep cold air out by lining each windowpane with an insulating film.
Don’t worry about it looking tacky; the plastic can have a barely there
finish when applied correctly.
Change the furnace filter:
Buildup can make your furnace work overtime, which may reduce its life
and inflate your heating bill. Change the filter every few months or
whenever you can no longer see light through it.
Block drafts:
You can save 5 to 30 percent on home energy costs by reducing drafts,
according to data from the U.S. Department of Energy. Invest in door draft blockers—they’re inexpensive and easy to install.
Soon, You Should…
Change out your wardrobe:
As you make room for winter clothes, assess your summer outfits before
you pack them away. Toss what’s ripped and hopelessly stained, donate
what no longer fits your body or style, and place what’s left in space-saving bags.
Test the fireplace:
Check that the flue is closed completely, so frosty air and uninvited
animals ready to hibernate don’t find their way into your living room.
Hang drapes: Look for window treatments marked “smart,” “Thermalogic,” or “insulated” to add warmth and coziness to drafty spaces.
Later (but Before the First Snow), You Should…
Reverse the fan: Your ceiling fan helps push warm air down. Flip the switch to reverse its direction, so it spins clockwise.
Organize winter accessories: Stashing hats, gloves, and scarves in over-the-door shoe organizers makes them easily accessible. Set a boot tray in your mudroom to catch slushy boots and umbrellas.
Install a smart thermostat:
It’s an upgrade you won’t regret. Once you see your energy bill, you
might kick yourself for not getting one sooner. Just don’t use those
slushy boots.
