MENU		EASY WAYS TO BUNDLE UP YOUR HOME THIS WINTER
		How well is your home resisting the cold this winter? A close look at your heating and electrical bills this month will probably give you a good idea. You can cut those rising energy bills by as much as 20 per cent simply by taking some easy, inexpensive, do-it-yourself measures.  There are low-cost ways to save energy in every room in your home. Begin by thoroughly checking every room in your home, paying particular attention to possible air leaks.  These can account for 20 to 30 per cent of your home's heat loss.  Reducing air leakage is by far the most immediate improvement you can make to reduce energy consumption. Next, make a list of the jobs that can be done to save energy in every room of your home.  In the front hall or entry, for example, you may want to seal the mail slot,  weatherstrip the door and install a programmable thermostat.  The bedrooms will be less drafty if you weatherstrip the windows and winterize, if necessary, the existing windows.  Kitchen lighting can waste a lot of energy -- try changing to fluorescent lighting.  In the basement, be sure to change the furnace filter regularly. Here are some low-cost, easy ways to bundle up your home this winter. Seal out drafts Weatherstrip windows and exterior doors.  Most weatherstripping products last only a few years.  Check windows, door frames and baseboards for escaping heat by holding a lit match by any gaps.  If the flame moves or blows out, you have a draft problem. Windows The best seal should be on the inside, so moisture will not enter and stay in the wall. Use silicone caulking, but be sure to check the directions on the label to ensure you are getting the right type for the job.  When all surfaces are smooth and clean, run a continuous bead of caulking (you may want to use a caulking gun) where the window trim meets the wall.  Then run another continuous bead between the trim and the window frame and where the trim meets the window sill. If you don't have thermo windows or storms, you can apply a temporary thin plastic film over the windows with a hair blower (kits can be purchased at building supply stores) to help stop drafts and prevent frost from building up over the winter.  However, this should be done only as a temporary measure until windows can be replaced. Doors Exterior doors take a lot of punishment.  If the door is badly warped, consider replacing it with a modern, energy-efficient one.  Any weatherstripping used must be sturdy, yet flexible, to take the slamming and temperature changes. Begin by checking the door itself and repairing any problems - loose structural joints, loose caulking, etc.  Look for weatherstripping with instructions.  If your are removing worn or damaged weatherstripping, try to obtain a similar replacement set. Don't forget the sill under the door to keep out drafts, driving rain or melting snow.  If the door has one, but it looks worn out, remove it and replace it with a completely new seal.  Choose a sturdy design that can stand up to daily abuse and that takes replacement gaskets. Install a programmable thermostat A programmable thermostat can cut your heating bills with every Celsius degree you lower the setting.  To ensure your water pipes don't freeze and burst, however, don't turn your thermostat below 14C Programmable thermostat units come in a range of prices and are available from hardware, building and heating equipment supply stores.  Choose a model that is compatible with your particular heating/cooling system.  You can have one professionally installed during your regular annual heating system check-up, or install it yourself.  If you install the unit yourself, be sure to disconnect the electric power to the heating system first.  Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. Check the chimney A lot of household heat escapes right up your fireplace chimney, even when not in use.  Check the flue damper to see it fits snugly and is closed when not in use.  To better control air flow, consider installing tight-fitting glass doors. Pad your pipes You can avoid burst pipes by wrapping foam tubing around them and taping it in place. Most tubing comes pre-slit for easy installation.  Water pipe heat cables can also be purchased which can keep water flowing at temperatures as low as -40C. Protect exterior AC units Use an appropriate cover or winterized plastic to protect your outdoor air conditioning or window fan unit, stop drafts and heat loss. Check all exterior entry points Use expandable polyurethane foam or other approved insulation products to cover the area around dryer vents, television cable jacks and other utility service entry points.  But be careful not to overuse these products - a little goes a long way. Seal your attic Since hot air rises, most heat loss occurs through your roof.  Even if your attic is well-insulated, it may not necessarily be well-sealed.  Insulation is designed to slow down heat loss rather than stop air flow.  Begin by sealing and/or caulking the gaps that lead from your living areas to your attic.  These gaps serve as escape routes for heated air. Turn on ceiling fans Set ceiling fans on low speeds to circulate the air and push the warm air at the ceiling down. Don't over bundle When sealing your home, it's possible to go too far.  Making your home too airtight can increase humidity and cause “window sweating” - heavy condensation that forms on the inside of double-pane and single-pane windows.  This can encourage the growth of mold and mildew, which can deteriorate your home's structure. Source: Ontario Real Estate Association
		MORE HOME IMPROVEMENT TIPS
		MORE CLOSET SPACE IN YOUR HOME  -  SAY IT WITH COLOUR: ADDING APPEAL AND VALUE TO YOUR HOME  -  DECORATING TRICKS FOR SELLING YOUR HOME  -  BATHROOM MAKEOVERS  -  CREATING CURB APPEAL  -  ELECTRICAL SAFETY AROUND THE HOME  -  EASY WAYS TO BUNDLE UP YOUR HOME THIS WINTER  -  KEEPING THE HOME FIRES BURNING: SAFELY AND EFFICIENTLY  -  GARDEN YEAR-ROUND IN YOUR HOME  -  YOUR HEATING SYSTEM -  HOMEOWNER'S PRIMER: DO YOU KNOW THE BASICS?  -  TIPS TO NOISE-PROOF YOUR HOME  -  WHAT'S NEW IN ROOFING MATERIALS  -  WINDOW TREATMENTS  -  WINDOWS: REPAIR OR REPLACE?

CONTACT INFORMATION
		Rick McGuigan Toronto real estate sales representative Coldwell Banker Case Realty Phone: 416-696-5100 Pager: 416-461-0925
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