Reduce your heating bill and keep your home cozy all winter long with these three easy tips for winterizing on a budget:

1. Save extra on your utility bills this winter by simply replacing your furnace filter.  Homeowners should check this filter monthly and replace it when it becomes dirty (typically once every few months).  Plus, this quick replacement will only cost $10-15! Just be sure to purchase the proper size.  We also recommend that all homeowners have their heating and cooling system serviced regularly to ensure that it’s operating efficiently.

Winter

2. Got drafty windows? Consider applying some clear plastic weather seal tape to the windows  (you can purchase this at Home Depot for under $10!).   For added protection against cold winter winds, be sure to caulk both sides of the trim around your windows.

3. Did you know that ceiling fans are just as helpful in the winter as they are in the summer? It’s true! Be sure to change the direction of your ceiling fans during the cooler months .  As Del Mar Fans explains, “In the winter, ceiling fans should rotate clockwise at a low speed to pull cool air up. The gentle updraft pushes warm air, which naturally rises to the ceiling, down along the walls and back the floor. This makes a room feel warmer, which allows you to lower the thermostat temperature and decrease the use of heating devices.”  Plus, homeowners can save an impressive 15% on energy bills in the winter just by rotating their fans!

Winter