Having your own home means taking satisfaction in the little things that make your house a better place. Like weeding. Or a new cleaning product. And now that it’s fall, taking steps to winterize your home. By completing these tasks now, you’ll save money, time and energy later, plus have a cleaner environment to cozy up in during winter. Need more motivation? All of our easy to-dos take an hour or less!
Reset That Thermostat
As it starts to get colder, it costs more money and energy to keep your thermostat on a higher, consistent setting. See if you can bear a lower temperature in general and experiment with turning it down or programming it to the 50s or 60s for when you sleep and go to work. Feeling the chill? Warm up fast by throwing on a scarf or sweater and brewing a cup of tea.
Freshen up Your Air Source
In addition to changing out air filters, now’s a great time to clear air-blocking dust from radiators and air vents. Use a Swiffer 360° duster to get into cracks and crevices, and then mop up anything that’s fallen to the floor with a Swiffer WetJet.
Caulk it up
Caulk is easy to use to seal gaps in your doors, windows or walls. Look closely at places where different materials meet (like corners, foundations, around chimneys, etc.) and check to make sure the caulk you have or buy matches the surface you’re working with. While you have it handy, touch up any caulk on windows or doorframes that might have deteriorated over time.
Wrap Your Windows
Just because it will soon be a winter wonderland outside doesn’t mean it has to feel like it inside. Here's a plan to get extra drafty windows winter-ready. First scrub away dirt and grime with Mr. Clean Magic Eraser.
Next, apply a window insulation kit or use bubble wrap (yes, bubble wrap!) for a DIY solution. Just spray your windows with water and press on the wrap, bubble side down. Alternatively, you can frame the window with double-sided tape and then press the wrap onto that, using a hair dryer to smooth out any wrinkles. As for what size bubbles to use, medium to larger ones are best for visibility and keeping cold air out.
Detach Outside Hoses
Follow these steps to prevent pipes from freezing:
1. Disconnect outside hoses and check the faucet for drips
2. Drain the hoses, using sloped driveways or yards to your advantage
If you live in a colder region and have an internal shut-off valve, do the following to prevent water from freezing inside the sillcock or hose bib:
1. Shut off the interior valve
2. Place a bucket under the drain cap and open it to drain the water out
3. Turn on the outside faucet until it runs dry
4. Turn off the outside faucet and close the drain cap
Dam Door Drafts
Picture this – dollar bills blowing outside in the wind, having just slipped under the cracks of your doorframe. OK, so that might be a bit dramatic, but a draft stopper can help save money and keep cold air out and warm air in. You can use a rolled up bath towel or create a DIY draft snake by filling scraps of fabric (including neckties!) with rice, sand or kitty litter. Adorn it with googly eyes and a felt tongue for a fun take.
Refresh Your Outdoor Fabrics
Before storing away outdoor fabrics, like patio pillows or rugs, spray them with a little Febreze Fabric Refresher. It helps eliminate tough odors in hard-to-wash fabrics. Tip: Be sure to let fabric dry completely before storing!
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