But it doesn't have to be...
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t's getting frosty outside. As the winter solstice approaches, much of the country is settling into a deep chill. In some places, snow is falling, and the winds are picking up. To a lot of people, this weather and the attendant darkness are cues to get into the holiday spirit. But the frigid temperatures are also a sign for people to look twice at their power bills. Whether your home heating is powered by electricity or gas, sticker shock upon opening a utility bill is a near-universal feeling. Homeowners and renters alike may feel at a loss for where to begin when it comes to winterizing where they live. Owners can go the DIY route, aided by YouTube tutorials, HGTV marathons and tips from the staff at their local home improvement store. Renters are much more limited in the changes they’re allowed to make to their homes, even if it is an effort to improve their own quality of life, lower their energy bills and make things easier for their landlords. Either way, there are several low-effort ways for people to stay warm at home without cranking up the heat and blowing a hole in their wallets in the process. Look closely at your windows and doors. Whether it’s hot or cold outside, cracks around your windows are some of the easiest places to miss an energy leak and some of the easiest to fix! You can apply fresh caulk to seal any cracks in the plaster around your windows and door frames. Check the weatherstripping, too. Is the rubber cracked or brittle? If so, it needs to be replaced. For a quick fix on older windows, apply window film to trap the cold air. If you can hear or feel cold air seeping in, imagine that your money is flowing out. Get a draft guard. You may have seen them before but didn’t know what they were called. If you’re completely unfamiliar, picture a very long beanbag that looks like a toy snake or a worm. Press it against your door when you’re home to keep the cold air from attacking your feet. Make sure your HVAC system is in working order. If you’re a renter, look to see if your municipality has a heating ordinance. Major cities like DC, Chicago and Philadelphia require that landlords provide heat for tenants and that dwellings maintain a minimum temperature during the coldest parts of the year (usually October through April). Cover your floors. In addition to making a statement about your taste in interior design, area rugs hold in heat! Add some humidity to your home. A humidifier can make your home feel warmer. The saying “It’s not the heat, it’s the humidity” isn’t just for making small talk in the middle of the summer as you’re sweating at the neighborhood block party. |
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(Image credit: Peter Krouse, cleveland.com) |
We’re still about a month away from the official start of winter, and we have a long, cold road ahead of us. I hope your thick socks are plentiful and your scarves are always within easy reach. Stay toasty, y’all. We’re heading into the home stretch of 2023! |
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Got something you want us to dive into soon? Let me know at [email protected].
That's all I've got for this week!
Thanks for reckoning with me, Aria |
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