Winterize Your Home with These Simple Tips

As fall weather sets in, it's time to prepare your home for winter's chill. In some parts of the country, like Montana, frost warnings have already begun, while others, such as Georgia, are just catching up with balmy mornings and warm days.

The Weather Channel recommends taking advantage of the relatively mild weather to winterize your home, starting with a few easy tips to turn it into a heat-smart home.

First, reverse your ceiling fans by flipping the switch to clockwise rotation. This will push warm air down instead of pulling it up to the ceiling where it does nothing for your toes.

Next, consider using a programmable thermostat to lower the temperature when you're sleeping or away from home. A study shows that dropping the bedroom temperature by 7-10 degrees can save on heating costs by up to 10% annually. The Google Nest Learning Thermostat is a popular option that works with most systems and learns your schedule.

Another simple fix is to apply window film and weather sealing tape, which creates an insulating air pocket and reduces heat loss. The 3M Indoor Window Insulator Kit is available for under $20 and includes window insulation film and double-sided mountain tape.

Door sweeps and draft stoppers can also help block out outside air, moisture, and light. Some options include vinyl and rubber door sweeps, as well as U-shaped door bottoms that wrap around the bottom edge of the door.