Winter is often an intense time for air pollution, with wood stoves and heaters on full blast.
Winter is often an intense time for air pollution, with wood stoves and heaters on full blast.
But you don’t necessarily have to turn your heat off and wear a parka to conserve energy. Here’s how you can comfortably stay warm as temperatures drop even further.
1. INSULATE
Don’t let the warmth you create escape outside. Caulk and weather-strip windows and doors, as well as using a store-bought or homemade draft stopper – a tube-like object that you put at the base to keep the cold from creeping in. Pipe insulation works fine for this purpose. Shrink-wrap the windows you don’t plan on opening until spring, and use rugs to insulate hard floors.
But don’t overlook your biggest energy thieves. According to the Centre for Sustainable Energy, 55 percent of heat leaves through your walls and roof. Consider hanging up blankets on the walls in cold areas. In the long run, insulate better. The Department of Energy offers some detailed tips for air-sealing your home.
Read more at Care2
Photo credit: tookapic via Pixabay
