Eco-Tueday: 10 Green Tips for Winterizing Your Home

It's gettin' cold in Casper which means its time to winterize! I stumbled upon a great article today at planetgreen.com titled "35 Ways to Winterize Your Home (Without Poisoning Your Family)" which inspired me for this post. They have some really cute ideas such as baking bread to warm up your home and eating warm, hearty soups to keep you warm. Here are some of the tips I liked and thought were most important for getting your home into shape for winter.

1. Insulate the Garage - Planet green suggest making a garage solar heater. If your home shares a wall with the garage then chances are the wall is cold and adds a chill to your home. Consider adding insulation or even an insulated garage door. You can even receive a Federal tax Credit for installing an insulated garage door. Find out how here.

2. Install Weather Stripping - Your doors and windows with thank you- and you'll see your energy bills drop. Learn how at lowes.com.

3. Straw Bale - Sound eccentric? Well, it is, but not for long as this eco-friendly idea is catching on around the U.S. and can help keep your home warm. Placing straw bale around the foundation of your home will block cold air and help keep the floors warmer, especially if you have pier and beam. (source: planetgreen.com)

4. Move Furniture off of the Vents - Sounds common knowledge but so many homeowners forget to do this each year. If your furniture blocks the vents then consider re-arranging the furniture for optimal energy savings and warmth.

5. Wear Layers or a Sweater/sweatshirt - You'll be surprised how warm you can feel wit some added layers and save energy at the same time by lowering your thermostat a few degrees.

6. Shut Doors - Shut the doors of rooms that are not in use. The heat will stay in the areas that you are in rather than try making its way into other rooms.

7. Grow Herbs and Vegetables Inside - As planetgreen.com explains, "Not only are they great to add to soups and stews but plants filter toxins out of the air." Learn how to grow some indoor plants here.

8. Wrap Older Windows in Plastic - If you have older windows which you cannot replace this year, then consider spending a few dollars on a shrink window kit. It will keep some of the cold and wind out and save you money.

10. Check it Out - Have your roof, heating unit, thermostats, etc. checked before winter. If you are worried about finding a reliable contractor for a maintenance check then you have come to the right place because at networx.com we will only provide you with information on reliable contractors in our area. Find contractors here.Make sure that you have enough layers of insulation in your attic and consider having an energy audit by your energy company to find out ways you can save even more during the winter months.

Posted by Marcy Tate