Smart ways to protect your home during freezing temperatures

(NC) As temperatures plunge below zero, homeowners face a seasonal challenge: protecting their homes from the harsh effects of winter. With the cold snap comes a surge in furnace and natural gas fireplace use as families work to keep living spaces warm and comfortable.

As the temperature drops this season, now is the perfect opportunity to look for ways to increase the energy efficiency of your home.

Maintain the effectiveness of your fireplace. Your fireplace can keep you and your family warm this winter. However, remember to keep the damper closed to prevent heat from escaping through the chimney. Check the glass for a proper seal and inspect the venting system to ensure everything is in working order. When heat escapes from your home, you lose money, and your furnace ends up working harder than it has to.

Keep your vehicle fueled and ready for winter. Keep your car moving this winter. Before long road trips, plan fueling stops and check station availability. Frigid winter weather will increase the fuel consumption of your vehicle—stay prepared so you don’t get stuck. Keep an emergency kit in your car with supplies to keep you warm, as well as a snowbrush and shovel. And be mindful not to idle your car in an enclosed space such as garages, as carbon monoxide can build up to dangerous levels.

Don’t forget the insulation. Adding insulation to your walls is a smart way to make your home more comfortable and energy efficient. It helps keep warm air inside during winter, reducing the strain on heating systems. Insulation also acts as a barrier against moisture, helping reduce the risk of mould and protecting your home’s structure. Better insulation can also lower energy costs, reduce natural gas use and support a healthier, more comfortable living space all year-round.

Keep the energy in your home flowing this winter without wondering if the heat in your home is escaping or going to waste. You can find more energy-efficient tips at enbridgegas.com/energyefficiency.