Due to the prediction of one famous groundhog a few weeks back, it’s safe to say that Nashville is and will remain in the dead of winter for 
the next few months. As such, we’d like to share a few ideas on how to keep your home at its most toasty while winter rages on outside. Nobody likes to throw money away and winterizing your home for the winter ensures your house is at its most efficient.
Windows: No matter how you look at it, there will always be some energy lost through windows. 
What we can control is how much and sealing windows for the winter can help older windows in particular, from bleeding cold air. Whether they are single pane glass or their frames have shifted and warped over time, air is leaking. There are a few different things you can do to fix and depreciate how much warm air leaches out:
- Plastic window insulation – This is an inexpensive and temporary fix that involves adhering sheets of plastic around your window, creating an additional insulating layer. When done correctly, this is a relatively effective method at keeping drafts at bay.
- Insulating curtains – These thick curtains create a barrier against drafts and reduce heat loss.
- New Windows – An investment for sure, but also the most efficient. Replacement windows can make an enormous difference not only in the winter months but in the summer as well in regards to insulation.
Other Leaks: Aside from your home’s windows, there are several additional culprits that contribute to air leaks. Try these solutions for weatherproofing doors, outlets, and vents:
- Weather-stripping – vinyl rubber or foam strips placed around the seams of a door or vent to help keep drafts outside. It should be noted that you can also weather-strip windows in addition to the above listed methods.
- Doorstops – Foam or plastic stops slide under your door to stop cold air from coming in and can be custom cut to fit.
- Outlet Caulking – For leaky outlets, caulk can be your answer. Simply remove the outlet cover, caulk the gap between the outlet and the wall opening, and replace the cover.
Extra Insulation: Much like a cozy blanket, insulation helps to keep the heat in. And while it’s safe to assume that your home is currently insulated, there are a few additional places you can further insulate to enhance energy savings:
- Attic/Basement – Installing additional insulation in your home’s basement and attic may prove to be a bit of work, but yields a great return.
- Pipes -You can purchase self-seal pipe insulation at a home improvement store. Simply cut the foam to the size you need and place around exposed pipes.
- Hot Water Heater Blanket – Exactly what it sounds like, a hot water blanket improves the energy efficiency of your hot water heater.
