eHow.com Video: How to Keep Warm Without Raising the Thermostat
It's still winter... and really cold in NYC. Here are some tips to weatherize your home. You know, these tips are not just for the winter. These adjustments are just as useful to keep hot air out in the summer. GO GREEN! save some green... and it's for winter and summertime!
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Video Transcript:
Hi, I'm Anjie Cho and this is how to keep warm without raising the thermostat.
Raising the thermostat not only adds to your utility bills, it uses precious resources. I'll show you some inexpensive and simple weatherization tips for keeping warm and also to keep cool in the summer.
First, be sure to have the air on only in the room that you're occupying. If you have central air, you can close or seal the vents in the room that are not in use.
Next, seal air leaks to increase the energy efficiency of both heating and cooling. You can use a variety of products to seal any gaps to the outside where air can come in. For instance, just painter's caulk will do; go for the lower or no VOC option. This rope caulk is less messy in it because it doesn't need to dry. Foam weather stripping also works; just cut, peel and stick. All of these options are for use with windows, ceiling cracks, filling holes, door perimeters, walls, siding openings and masonry cracks.
Next, let's look at the door. A lot of air gets infiltrated in through doors, even in a closed position. This is a self-stick door strip. It's quick and easy, easy to install, just cut to size and stick it into place.
Finally, let's look at your outlets and switches. Air can come in this way too. So, you can insulate and seal that drafts through a switch and outlet covers with these gaskets. Just unscrew the outlet cover, place the gasket in, screw back on. Keeping warm doesn't have to be expensive with some simple weatherization tips. This upgrades will pay for themselves very quickly because you'll immediately see savings on your utility bills.