5 Tricks to winterize your home

Trick #1
Hot water heaters work best when run in an efficiency zone. This zone is when the heater is most energy cost effective while still heating proficiently.  Hot water heaters have a default setting of 60 degrees Celsius, this is the temperature set when ship from the manufacturer. This high of a temp poses not only high energy costs but scalding risks to your family. Most water heaters operate just as efficiently at 49 degrees Celsius, and the lower temperature could help increase the lifespan of the heater.

When you lower your hot water 10 degrees you lower the water temperature, saving between 3 and 5 percent in utility costs. Additionally, wrapping an insulating blanket around your water heater will help save energy this winter, possibly as much as 4 to 9 percent in water heating costs. Find them in your local hardware store.

Trick #2
In the fall and before the winter sneaks up on us is a great time to sealing leaks around the house. Either call a professional or run your hand over both big and small: electrical outlets, window frames, baseboards and pipes to feel for cold air. Don't forget your basement and attic. Caulk and seal around any of the gaps. Do this could potentially save you anywhere from 5 to 30 percent in energy costs depending on the size of leak or gap.

Trick #3
Turning over your mattress and washing all of your bedding, including comforters and blankets. Make sure your winter bedding is ready to go, when that cold weather hits you will be thankful to have your warm comforter.

Trick #4
The fall is a great time to vacuum. Once the leaves fall lots of airborne pollens have settled in our homes. Giving the house a thorough vacuum will help the sniffles. Systematically vacuum the drapes, window treatments, baseboards, furniture, underneath furniture and any upholstered furniture.  Make sure you have an efficient vacuum or call in the professionals.

Trick #5
Fight influenza with a deep clean of your home. A deep clean focuses on all touch points to help prevent winter influenza. Deep cleaning is best to focus on high traffic and public rooms such as the living room, family room, kitchen, entryway and guest bath. Sounds like your whole house, right? Just take not of what rooms in your home are high traffic areas. Once you have identified these focus your attention to all major touch points in the room(s) such as: door handles, window handles, light switches, sink taps, cupboard doors, telephone(s), refrigerator door & handles, remote controls, armrests, and control buttons. You get the idea.