How To Stay Warm This Winter

Here in New England and other Northern States, heating fuel costs are going to be more of a challenge this winter than they ever have been before. I came across these tips to stay warm and I am posting them here for those of you who have tenants and care for their well-being. Especially those who are elderly, handicapped, disabled or on fixed incomes- please share this information with your tenants. And you can use these in your own home too if you live in a climate that produces frost or snow.

Be Safe This Winter

• Do not use cooking stoves or the oven to heat your home.
• Use a space heater that meets the current safety standards and shut them off when not in use or when sleeping.
• Keep all space heaters away from carpets, kids, and pets.
• Do not use cracked or frayed electrical extension cords.
• Have woodstove chimneys cleaned and inspected before use.
• Shut off electric blankets when not in use.

Heating Season Tips:

How to save real money this winter!

• Turn down your thermostat (every 3 degrees you reduce your home temperature can save close to 10% on your heating bill). Turn the thermostat to 60 degrees at night, and when you are not at home.
• Make sure windows and storm windows are securely closed and locked.
• Open curtains on sunny days to get passive solar heat (then make sure they are closed at night).
• Have your heating system professionally tuned up (oil systems should have this every year, natural gas and propane every two years).
• Do not run out of oil (empty tanks contain sludge that can damage your heating system requiring repairs, and service fees may be required to restart or prime your heating system).
• Wear a sweater or warm clothes indoors.
• Use a draft stopper under drafty doors
• Seal unused fireplace chimneys with a plastic bag full of insulation (attach a piece of yarn hanging down to remind you that the chimney is blocked).
• Move furniture, rugs, and drapes away from radiators, baseboards, and heating ducts to allow good heat flow.
• Change your warm air furnace filter every 2 months (every month if you have pets).
• Seal drafts around windows with caulking or cover the window with plastic.
• Seal air leaks in your cellar walls and in your attic floor with caulk/foam.
• Add attic insulation (after sealing air leaks). You should have 10 -12 inches of attic insulation.

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