by Anne Clifford

#10 Every time the wind blows it sounds like rehearsals of the Canadian Symphony Orchestra.

TIP: Seal the leaks! Drafts not only waste energy and drive up heating costs but they also contribute to our common nemesis, greenhouse gases.

• Identify the source of the leak and then plug it! Simply light some incense and watch which way the smoke moves. Once the leak is identified it can be rectified with weather stripping or caulking around the window.
• Weather stripping can be easily installed with a hammer, screwdriver, staple gun and hacksaw. Materials used vary in durability and ease of installation. Tapes are easy to install but are often visible and typically only good for one season. Foam adhesives (for compression fit for doors, windows, attics and gaskets) are more durable and normally hidden from view. A Caulking gun should be used when two surfaces meet but do not move, for example with chimneys or electrical outlets.
• These materials can all be found at your local hardware store and for more information refer to the (CO2RE publication provided on the City of Edmonton website www.co2re.ca)

#9 Snow drifts on the furniture.

TIP: From personal experience don’t wait until it’s snowing indoors to install clear plastic barriers or storm windows over your existing windows.

• There are several methods for winter proofing your windows that range from high end installation of thermal glass windows to the economic window kit to draft proof your home.
• If you have the time, money and inclination windows with a “Low E” or low emissivity might be worth installing. Low emissivity coatings are a thin metallic coating applied to the glass to increase the R-value of the window unit. The coating allows light to pass through but prevents the heat from escaping.
• For the thrifty among us Window Kits are a great solution to draft proofing your home. Window Kits available at local hardware stores are comprised of shrink foil and double sided tape. Simply apply the double-sided tape to the window frame, apply the foil and then use a hairdryer to tighten the foil and seal the window. For the low cost of $4.97 at RONA it is possible to save “$428, 3300 lbs of CO2 and 27,500 cu.ft. of natural gas.”(Stoyke.Carbon Busters.p.111)

INFO: “Inch for inch the average window loses ten times more heat than the average wall.” (Carbon Busters.Stoyke.p.109)

#8 The weather outside is frightful meanwhile you feel like you’re on Mercury!

TIP: Turning your thermostat down by 1 degree can save you a bundle of money.

• Throw on your most comfortable sweater and turn your thermostat down a few degrees. A one degree drop can save about 2% on your energy bills.

• And don’t forget to close doors to keep the heat contained in the rooms you are actually using.
• Oh! One more thing, reduce temperatures while away and at night when snug in your bed. A programmable thermostat might be your most effective weapon against costly winter heating bills. And, ‘tis the season for thermostat sale prices as low as $30 for the bargain-hunter.
• For more information visit www.edmonton.ca/HomeEnergyTips.pdf and www.globalcool.org

#7 Stagnant laundry becomes your new potpourri.

TIP: Clean or replace furnace filters each month, or have your furnace and ducts cleaned to keep dust and other funky smells from re-circulating.

• Ventilation is just as important as insulation. Without the circulation of fresh air through your home, “pollutants can accumulate and excess condensation can cause mould and mildew to grow.” (www.Treehugger.com)
• And, don’t forget to keep your carbon monoxide detector stocked with fresh batteries. According to Consumer Reports, January is the deadliest month for carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Now everyone take a deep breath, refreshing isn’t it!

#6 The neighbours can identify the beauty mark on your left cheek.

TIP: Close the curtains.

• Not only are curtains practical in keeping Peeping Toms at bay but they are also helpful in keeping your house warm in winter and cool in summer. Since most heat loss occurs around the windows it is wise to keep your drapes and blinds closed at night and open during the day to absorb some much needed winter rays. (CO2RE HomeSavers: Windows)
• If you can line your drapes with old bed sheets or other material, they will prove even more effective in cutting down your heating costs. You can also buy or make insulating drapes, a.k.a. window quilts, which incorporate layers of insulating material, a radiant barrier, and a moisture-resistant layer to prevent condensation. These drapes are five times more effective than traditional curtains and use thermodynamics to trap the heat.
• For more information on window quilts contact the folks at Window Quilts Muskoka or make your own .

#5 You look like you are training for the Iditarod

Iditarod: A dog sled race over 1,150 miles of mountain ranges, frozen rivers, dense forests, desolate tundra and windswept coastline.

TIP: There is a reason they call it housewarming!

• Instead of huddling all alone under mountains of blankets, do yourself and the environment a favour and mix it up! Invite friends and family over and enjoy the company of others whilst heating your house with some old fashioned body heat and festive spirits.

#4 Your furnace sounds like the belly of a steamship!

TIP: It may be time to for a tune up.
• Scheduling an annual tune up for your furnace, heat pumps and boilers can save you a fortune in headaches and maintenance bills later on. Check with your local utility company to see if they offer this service.

#3 The creaking and groaning you hear is not the house settling or your amorous next door neighbour.

TIP: Identify where the water enters your home and know how to shut it off at the source also know where your shut off valves are for individual fixtures and appliances.

• Frozen pipes are a ticking time bomb. If your pipes freeze there is a need for speed. “The faster you shut off the water or direct your plumber to the problem, the better chance you have to prevent pipes from bursting.” www.iii.org
• Look closely for cracks and leaks and have the pipes repaired immediately.
• Wrap exposed pipes with heating tape or pipe wrap. It’s so cheap, you can’t afford not to.

#2 Your front yard looks like Area 51.

Area 51: A remote tract of land in Nevada. Located on the southern shore of a dry lakebed, is a large military airfield, one of the most secretive places in the world.

TIP: Consider updating your landscaping after the great melt.

• Strategically planting trees protects your house from cold winds in winter and provides shade in summer. Plus the added benefit of much needed O2. The planet will thank you. Select species that will reach the ideal height and shape at maturity and make note of overhead and underground lines before planting. (CO2RE HomeSavers: Windows)

And the #1 sign that you have failed to winter proof your house is … A family of squirrels has turned your attic into their holiday home.

TIP: If all else fails, hire a licensed contractor to look for structural damage. If damage is discovered, have it repaired now rather than waiting for a serious problem to occur.

• Signs that there may be structural damage include; “bare spots in the insulation, wet insulation, compressed insulation or water stains on rafters.” (CO2RE HomeSavers: Attic Insulation)
• It is possible to install the insulation yourself but may I recommend getting an estimate from a contractor before tackling the problem solo. It is a messy job and after purchasing the materials and the hours of backbreaking work it might be more cost efficient to hire a pro.

Resources
1. Energy-saving tips from Natural Resources Canada
2. Global Cool
3. Centre for Energy
4. Saskatchewan Energy
5. CO2RE Homesavers - Carbon Dioxide Reduction Edmonton
See the following free publications: Windows Pamphlet, Attic Insulation Pamphlet, Caulking and Weatherstripping Pamphlet
6. Checklist to Winter-proof Your Home
7. How to Green Your Heating