Check for drafts, and don't wait for winter.
Drafts in any season can cause your a/c or furnace to work overtime, costing $$ and energy.
I did some digging and found this really cool DIY draft detector. Here is a video explaining how to put it together, once you have it together you just hold the metal part near suspected drafts and listen for the noise it makes. Walk through your home and run it along doors, windows, outlets, and switches. If you have an attic you can take it up there too!
Doors and windows are both well-known culprits of drafts, especially in older homes. But you don't have to replace them to stop the drafts.
Some other areas you may want to check for drafts are fireplaces, attics, and electrical outlets/switches. Add insulation to drafty attics, cover fireplaces and replaces the switches and electrical outlets.
Great article Kat. Loved the draft detector video. Keep up the good work.
What a creative way to check your house for drafts. Every little thing adds up and can save some money. And it is important to do this every season. Yesterday, my boyfriend just replaced the stripping along the bottom of two of our windows that apparently became loose over the winter months. As the home ages, it can become more drafty.
Thanks, Wendy. Every season is a great idea! You don't want your cool air leaking out and costing you money in the summer!!