Is your house ready for Old Man Winter’s return? Follow the low-cost, easy recommendations below to help ensure the energy efficiency of your home during the fall and winter seasons.
Take Advantage of Heat from the Sun
Open curtains on your south-facing windows during the day to allow sunlight to naturally heat your home. Be sure to close them at night to reduce the chill you may feel from cold windows.
Cover Drafty Windows
Try using a heavy-duty, clear plastic sheet on a frame or tape clear plastic film to the inside of your window frames during the cold winter months. Make sure the plastic is sealed tightly to the frame to help reduce infiltration. Install tight-fitting, insulating drapes or shades on windows that feel drafty after weatherizing.
Adjust the Temperature
When you are home and awake, set your thermostat as low as is comfortable.
When you are asleep or out of the house, turn your thermostat back 10° to 15° for eight hours and save around 10% a year on your heating and cooling bills. A smart or programmable thermostat can make it easy to set back your temperature.
Find and Seal Leaks
Seal the air leaks around utility cut-throughs for pipes ("plumbing penetrations"), gaps around chimneys and recessed lights in insulated ceilings, and unfinished spaces behind cupboards and closets. Add caulk or weather-stripping to seal air leaks around leaky doors and windows.
Maintain Your Heating Systems
Schedule service for your heating system. For furnaces and heat pumps, replace your filter once a month or as needed. For wood- and pellet-burning heaters: Clean the flue vent regularly, as well as the inside of the appliance with a wire brush periodically.
Source: https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/fall-and-winter-energy-saving-tips