Are you cold weather ready? Here are some steps to get you started

  • Close crawlspace vents. And make sure your crawlspace access door is securely in place. Not only will floors stay warmer this protects pipes from freezing. 
  • Change or clean your HVAC air filter. Your system is getting ready to work overtime. Give it an efficiency boost with unrestricted return airflow. 
  • Make sure all windows/storm windows are closed and locked. You'd be surprised to know how often our energy auditors find a window sash down or a window left cracked. It can happen to the best of us. So double check them now. 
  • Remove window air conditioners so you can close and lock those windows as well. If that's not possible due to physical limitations, then wrap the unit to reduce outdoor air intrusion. 
  • If your windows are underperforming, consider a shrink wrap plastic storm window kit. They are amazingly effective at blocking drafts. For about $10 at Lowes, Walmart or your local hardware store, one kit can usually handle up to 5 windows.  
  • Fireplace not in use? Close the damper to prevent your home's heated indoor air from going right up the chimney.
  • Live in a doublewide manufactured home? Your home has a crossover duct. It connects the front half of your home's in-floor ducts to the back half and it is the weakest link in your home's air delivery system. The good news is that if it is leaking or has become disconnected, repairs are not terribly expensive and when done right (with a mastic air sealing product) it shouldn't leak again as long as you can keep critters from getting underneath your home. 
  • All homeowners should check for duct leakage. It actually becomes easier to detect the more extreme temperatures are. If you have floor vents, start by looking inside each register with a flashlight to make sure the boot is still securely connected to the floor. 
  • Disconnect hoses from outdoor spigots.
  • Log into Tideland's member portal and familiarize yourself with the Usage History tools including daily and hourly energy use data. Be sure to set up a FREE high energy use alert as well. Need help doing so? Give us a call at 252.943.3046 or email us: mailroom@tidelandemc.com