Home Sweet Home #8: Prepare Your Home For A More Efficient Winter with Tips from the HUI Maintenance Team

1. Seal windows and doors – leaks around windows and doors cause heat loss and increase energy costs. You can use a lit candle to find drafts around the house. Consider sealing windows with plastic or an insulator kit. Stop leaks around doors with foam or weatherstripping.

2. Check your smoke detector and carbon monoxide alarm. Check the alarm by pressing its “test” button. If the alarm doesn’t sound, it is broken or needs a new battery. Smoke detectors should be replaced after 10 years. Find the expiration date inside the unit.

3. Switch ceiling fan direction – flip your ceiling fans’ reverse switches so that the fans move in a clockwise direction. This pushes the warm air that rises towards the ceiling back down into the room.

4. Get your winter weather supplies – don’t wait for the winter weather to arrive before you head to the store. Check out the stuff you already have and replace damaged snow shovels or other times. Don’t forget to pick up ice melt or salt as these items tend to go quickly when storms approach.