3 quick and easy ways to winterize your home

Don't waste another minute before the icy fingers of winter grab more than its fair share of energy from your home. Batten down the hatches with these tips:

Use draft dodgers – Install gaskets in outer wall outlets. Place rolled up towels against the base of entry doors. If you don't have at least double-paned windows or storm windows, use the plastic covering that requires a hair dryer to attach it. Caulking cracks and holes takes a little extra time, but will be well worth it.

Insulate your water heater – If your water heater is not new, it probably isn't insulated. If it feels warm to the touch, buy a water heater blanket and install it according to directions.

Insulate the first few feet of pipe with foam tubing. Follow safety instructions from the U.S. Dept. of Energy here: energysavers.gov/your_home/water_heating/index.cfm/mytopic=13080

Reverse ceiling fans – For the cold winter season, reverse the air flow so they pull air up. Heat rises, so this simple trick forces the warm air back down from the ceiling by pushing it to the walls. Circulating the warm air will make your home feel warmer and the thermostat won't trigger as often.