Tips to Winterize Your Home

Colder weather means increasing demand for heat, which means your pocketbook may take a hit this winter. But don't worry! The ReStore team is here with home tips and tricks that can save you some money while keeping you warm until spring arrives. 

Appliances

• Washing your clothes and blankets in warm water and getting that fresh-out-of-the-dryer warmth may be tempting, but you can save money by washing in cold instead of warm or hot water and airdrying your laundry.

• Make sure you're getting the most out of your dishwasher. Only run when the unit is completely full and skip the pre-rinse cycle.

Windows

Drafty windows can use a lot of energy, especially in the winter. Luckily, there are a few simple things you can do to make a difference.

• Close your curtains at night and use heavier curtains to keep out drafts.

• Add insulation to your windows with a window insulator kit. The kit includes long sheets of plastic that fit over windows and double-sided tape to attach the plastic to window frames. The final step is to use a hair dryer over the plastic, making an air-tight seal. You can often find window insulation kits at ReStore (photo from familyhandyman.com).

• Bonus tip: If drafty windows remain a problem, look for replacements that don't break the bank at our ReStore outlets.

Water Heating Savings

• Lower the temperature on your water thermostat. This can save you up to 9% on water heating costs!

• Even though a long, hot shower might seem nice after a long day or week, shortening your showers (especially during winter) can save money in the long run.

• Replace your old water heater unit with an ENERGY STAR® certified model to increase efficiency.

• A tip from EBaum's world: "Wrap your water heater tank in a nice warm blanket. Insulating your water tank, will reduce standby heat losses and save you about 50 percent in water heating costs, and should pay for itself in about a year, according to Energy.gov."

Other Simple Tips and Tricks

• Place your rugs on tiled or hardwood floors to keep your feet warmer during winter.

• Change your air filter.

• Use a programmable thermostat and set it based on your family's heat needs.

• Reverse the direction of your ceiling fans so they pull air up instead of instead of blowing it down.

We hope you've found some helpful tips for winterizing your home and that you and your family stay warm during this Minnesota winter! Remember, you can find many items mentioned in this article at your local Twin Cities ReStore in New Brighton or Minneapolis.