Let's not forget about saving energy during wintertime! These few months provide an ideal oppurtinity to inspect all the interiors, reinsulate problematic parts and fix smaller issues that you've been putting off before. Read the article for a couple of very handy, season-specific tips on how to save precious energy - and money as well!

• Turn off the air conditioner - Most air conditioners have a heater switch that is meant to provide warmer air. Our advice is to turn if off completely, as it doesn't contribute much, yet consumes a considerable amount of energy.
• Drain your outdoor faucets - To avoid splitting because of the frozen water, shut off the valves on all exterior faucets and open the drain cap. If you need to use it, consider purchasing frost-proof faucets.
• Consider re-insulation if you have an older house - The majority of homes built before 1980 are under-insulated. Covering walls, floors, pipes and heating ducts with R19 insulation will save a lot of precious energy.
• Purchase wheather strips - Put them on doors and windows. Don't forget to caulk any holes or cracks in window frames. Use good quality caulking compounds only - ask at your local home center or hardware store.
• Clean the chimney & the fireplace - Replace filters and remove any dirt that would stand in the way of airflow.
• Turn down your thermostat - Wear a sweater instead. Keep thermostats no higher than 20-22 C (68-72 F). When people are not present or at night, you may decrease the temperature even to 15 C (59-60 F).
• Avoid wet basements - Make sure you remove all dirt that could clog your gutters and downspots, as it cause splitting which can damage the walls. Also check if you have enough downspouts - there should be one for every 35 feet of gutter. If your downspouts happen to go below the ground, redirect them to discharge at least eight feet away from your home. Many times, the below ground portions are clogged or broken.
• Limit shower time - Limiting your shower time to 5 minutes can save you tons of money - not unlikely around 500 dollars at least yearly, if your household has four people living in it. Are you saying that it's too easy to forget about time when enjoying the water? You can use shower time savings calculator or consider getting a shower timer.
• Open the curtains - Let the sunshine warm up your home on clear days. You'll be surprised to find out how much it helps - and helps killing germs, too.
• Close rooms which you don't use - It makes it easier to warm up other areas of your house. Don't waste valuable heat when there's no reason for it.
• Seal air leaks - Find the leaks by wetting your hand before and feeling the airflow. Seal the leaks with caulk.
• Make sure your furniture doesn't block any registers or vents - On the other hand, you might want to put furnishing alongside with the coldest walls for additional insulation.