Keep warm air in, cold air out

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - With cold weather moving in, the Department of Energy offers a number of home winterization tips to help people stay warm and save money.

An easy fix that is often forgotten is changing the direction ceiling fans turn. Switching the fans’ directions helps direct warm air downward, circulating it in living spaces. In the winter, the blades of ceiling fans should turn clockwise if looking at it from below.

Checking duct work for leaks can also go a long way in ensuring efficient heating. Up to 60 percent of heat can be lost because of bad duct work, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

Some cheap and simple products can help ensure heat isn’t escaping through doors and windows, as well. Door shoes and window covers can be purchased at most hardware stores.

If you have a problem with pipes freezing, you may want to consider buying an electric heating cable.  You simply wrap it around exposed pipes and plug it in. 

“They also have it for the interior, under the cabinets, things like that” said Mark Mitchell, an associate at Lowe’s Home Improvement in Indianapolis.

To cut down on drafts consider buying electrical plug and light switch sealers.

“Just take your faceplate off of your electrical outlet these go right over them. It keeps from any air filtrating through the walls” said Mitchell.

From walls to windows, adding an extra layer of protection against the cold may be easier than you think.  Window insulation kits cost only a few dollars and can be installed by a beginner.

According to the Department of Energy, The potential energy savings from reducing drafts in a home may range from 5 to 30 percent  per year.