Winterproofing the home keeps you warm and saves you money

When the cold winter weather sets in, Canadians are reminded that it's time to prepare the home for the frigid season ahead. Winterizing the home not only keeps you and your family warm, it helps the home become more energy efficient, saving money. The Home Depot Canada offers some easy-to-follow tips to maintain a warm home and conserve energy this winter.

Seal the cold air out. Check for drafts around windows and doors and seal any cracks with caulking. Caulking is the leastexpensive and one of the most effective ways to insulate your home.

Fill in the gaps. Install weather-stripping around doors and windows to keep the warm air in and the cold

air out. The type of weatherstripping you'll need depends on the location and type of opening.

Install a programmable thermostat. It will allow you to automatically lower temperatures at night and when you are out of the home. This will translate into costs savings.

Lay down rugs on tile or hardwood floors. Warm up your feet or Fido's by laying down a rug or two. Go with a designer one to add style to any room.

Insulate the attic. The attic is a critical area for heat loss. Ensure that it's properly insulated.

Clean or replace the air filter of the furnace. Keeping your furnace filter clean increases heat circulation and reduces fuel costs. Close the drapes at night.

This will add an extra layer of insulation, keeping the cold air out.

For more tips on winterizing your home, visit The Home Depot in your community.

- News Canada