After what seemed like an endless, hot summer, we’re all breathing a sigh of relief as temperatures are finally dropping and winter is just around the corner! But before the cold sets in for good, fall is the perfect time to take some easy steps to make your home cozier, healthier, and safer for this winter and beyond:
Watch your windows. Did you know your windows can help keep your home warm in the winter? Take advantage of the winter sun’s heat by opening south-facing curtains, drapes, and blinds during the day, and then closing window coverings at night to keep the heat in. If you don’t have blinds or shades, consider installing them to reduce heat loss. (They’ll also help keep your house cool next summer.)
Lower the dial and get cozy. Keep your home 10 to 15 degrees cooler when you are not at home and lower the temperature at night to save energy. Nothing is cozier than bundling up with blankets on a winter night!
Breathe easy. Allergens and pollutants affect indoor air quality and can seriously impact the whole family. You may need an air purifier. Also, checking for radon and installing a carbon monoxide detector are two simple steps that will help everyone breathe more easily.
Get prepared. Back to school is a great time to take stock of emergency preparedness plans and supplies. It’s also a good time to ensure your home is prepared for what may come. Seismic “hardening” of your home helps keep your home secured during severe storms, high winds, and earthquakes. It’s also a necessary first step if you’re looking to get earthquake insurance.
For more information about how to improve the comfort, health, and safety of your home, visit Enhabit.org/neighborhood. (Enhabit—formerly Clean Energy Works—is a nonprofit specializing in helping homeowners make their homes work and feel better while lowering energy waste.)