Comments on: 15 Ways to Winterize Your Home

By: Marcus @ amext.com

Marcus @ amext.com — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 18:30:01 +0000

Great idea about the fan. Most homeowners dont realize that the warm air from the heating unit will heat the top of the home first and by reversing the fan, it will disperse that warm air through out the house.

By: Tiffy

Tiffy — Sun, 05 Dec 2010 05:42:50 +0000

What about using a white or blue air filter does it make a difference in the winter

By: Micaela

Micaela — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 17:51:42 +0000

Jerod, was the insulation in the ceiling only?

By: Jerod

Jerod — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 20:37:32 +0000

We noticed our house didn’t have any insulation at all (it was built in 1924). After an outrageously high heating bill last winter–and subsequently setting the thermostat down to 55 all winter–we installed insulation this past weekend: 3 feet of it. It was only $1300 for 2100 square feet. It has made an absolutely massive difference. The heater used to turn on every 20 minutes. Now the house loses only 1 degree every 4 hours (around 38 degrees outside temp).

By: Mike

Mike — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 20:20:20 +0000

Not so sure the advice on the ceiling fan is correct. As I understood it, in the winter the fan should be “sucking” air up and creating a warm draft that runs down the walls of the room.

By: Richard Carpenter

Richard Carpenter — Sun, 14 Nov 2010 19:45:51 +0000

For power outages:
My kerosene heater has saved our pipes from freezing more than once. Unless you live in the deep south you need heat in the winter. I put it in the basement with the basement door open. It heats up the house enough to live. Do not let it burn while you are asleep! Do have a battery operated carbon monoxide detector. You don’t need a carbon dioxide detector; your body already has one. You will start breathing faster. If that happens let in some outside air. BLUE containers are for kerosene only; Red ones for gasoline only. Never violate this rule! If you have two-stroke engines, use red containers with a big plastic zip-tie on the handle that you will recognize instantly; also use a label with the mix (30:1, 40:1) written on it. Diesel needs another color and label.
Buy LED flashlights with plenty of batteries. LED flashlights last ten times as long as older ones. Buy one with a red LED in addition to the white ones; it is more pleasant at night, like a candle, and takes much less electricity.
If you have multi-day blackouts you should have a gas stove that runs without electricity (at least get one as a backup). A gas hot water heater and clothes dryer are also convenient. Your own propane tank lasts much longer than electricity in an ice storm!
If you have bleach and a charcoal filter you can drink almost any water. Bleach first, then charcoal filter. Get five or ten gallon plastic water containers. The bleach takes out the bacteria and viruses; then the charcoal takes out the bleach.
If you are outside in the cold remember: wet wool warms but wet cotton kills. If wool irritates your sensitive skin, try cashmere. Use layers!

By: paul

paul — Sun, 14 Nov 2010 16:34:29 +0000

I agree with those who say forget the furnace inspection. The only useful tip is to clean or change the filters. The rest is just a way for the HVAC guys to make a buck. You might inspect your ducts every five years or so, or more if you have a rat infestation. Anything else is an invitation to a hard sell pitch for a new system.

By: JohnR

JohnR — Sat, 13 Nov 2010 14:51:39 +0000

Trevor B:

Snow is awesome for about 24-48 hours, then the frigid air moves in and drys it out and the kids don’t want to play in it because it won’t pack anymore and they are bored with it by then anyway.

And don’t get me started on what it is like when it starts to melt….

By: Brian

Brian — Sat, 13 Nov 2010 05:30:54 +0000

In addition to having your furnace inspected, have the ducts cleaned out every other year. You might be surprised at just how MUCH dust and debris collect in most central heating systems. I’ve gone from 3 or 4 colds per season (one usually a whopper) to just one or none at all. Clean duct work, plus changing the filters regularly, can make a real difference in your Family’s health during the winter months.

By: Jonathan Reznik

Jonathan Reznik — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 05:55:11 +0000

Temperature at 68 degrees?!?! I only turn my thermostat to 60 at the highest. For the rest of the time I wear thermals and sweaters around the house to offset the difference.