Many people overlook the simple things about their house during the winter. Then they wonder why their energy bill is so high. However, for people living off the grid that may not have electricity, doing the simple things can be even more important. These easy things you can do will help the heat stay inside your house as much as possible and protect you from the cold winter air.

Seal Leaks
It’s time to plug, seal, and caulk. Caulk both the inside and outside of your windows. Outside, focus on the sealing around all the edges of the sills with a water-resistant product. Inside, use a temporary silicone caulk around all moving parts of the window.

Bring Out Storm Windows
If you have an older home with single-pane windows, it’s time to take off the screens and put on the storm windows. Though this can be a huge chore, and often storm windows don’t fit that snugly, they do offer another layer of physical protection against the cold.

Insulate
Though more expensive than the other strategies, insulation gives you a big bang for your winterizing buck. Keep it simple and don’t get lost in complex R-value calculations.

Replace Air Filters
Replace the air filter in your central heating and cooling system. Use a handheld vacuum while the filter is out to get rid of dust and cobwebs that may have accumulated in or around the filter slot. A clean air filter will not only reduce dust inside, it’ll reduce the amount of energy it takes for your heater to work and extend its life.

Duct and Cover
The ductwork in our homes carries the heat from room to room. Ductwork that’s not well-insulated, disconnected, or dirty impedes air flow and makes your heating system work harder.

Protect the Pipes
Like the ductwork in your home, any pipes that carry water need to be insulated from below-freezing temperatures. If you have a crawl space under your home or a basement that’s not insulated, wrap your pipes with fiberglass insulation or use pre-molded foam rubber sleeves that you can pick up at most home improvement stores.

Turn on the Fan
Ceiling fans are a great way to help cool your house in the summer, and they come in handy during the winter months too. In preparation for colder weather, reverse the direction of airflow on your fans. Since warm air rises, the fan blades will push the air down and help keep the toastier air in circulation.

Close Off Unused Space
Close vents and doors to rooms and other areas you don’t use regularly. Typically, the ambient heat from the rest of the house will keep these areas warm enough to keep pipes from freezing

Optimize Your Cooking and Baking Schedule
Generations ago, our heating system was our cooking system. The wood-burning oven, coal stove, or fireplace served the dual purpose of feeding the family and keeping them warm. Pay tribute to this efficient idea by turning down the heat when it’s time to cook and waiting to cook when everyone’s home.

Let the Sun Shine In
You don’t have to invest a lot of money to enjoy some of benefits of solar energy. Leverage passive solar power during the day by leaving your curtains and drapes open.

Wow, there is so much you can do to keep your home warm that really don't cost much if anything at all. It can be as simple as checking for any leaks, making sure you have the proper insulation and choosing the best times to make the most out of energy and heat created from cooking.

For people that live off containing as much heat as possible is vital to survival. These simple things can make a huge difference!

To learn more ways to keep your home warm when it starts to get bitterly cold, please visit Wise Bread.