CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Temperatures might be low, but the cost to keep your home warm isn't.
Here are three ways to cut utility costs ahead of this winter weather.
Seal leaks to keep cold air from coming into your home
Check windows, doors, around appliances, in the attic and the basement for any spots that might be letting cold air from the outside into your house.
For an affordable fix, head to your local home-improvement store for spray foam, weathering strips or caulking.
Focus on your home’s airflow to utilize the heat that’s already in your house
Check to make sure all of the vents in your home are fully open and that your furniture isn’t blocking any vents.
If you have a ceiling fan, turn it on using the lowest, forward-moving setting to help push the rising hot air back down to the floor where you can feel it.
Maximize insulation to keep the heat in your home from escaping
Use curtains or shades as an extra barrier layer to keep heat inside your home.
Line the inside of your windows with bubble wrap or aluminum foil. You might not like the way it looks, but you’ll certainly love the impact it has on keeping heat inside of your home.
Contact Carolyn Bruck at cbruck@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.