Yes. It’s a good idea to test your furnace before cold weather arrives. Set the thermostat to Heat and raise the temperature enough to activate the system. Make sure the furnace starts normally, warm air reaches t

Caulk can be useful for sealing appropriate stationary gaps around window frames and trim. However, don’t caulk moving parts or block drainage openings designed to allow water to escape. How to Seal Drafty W

Not necessarily. Drafts can sometimes be corrected with weatherstripping, caulk, adjustments, or other repairs. Replacement may make sense when windows are badly damaged, inefficient, improperly installed, or

Yes. Disconnect garden hoses and other attachments from outdoor faucets before freezing weather. This is particularly important for frost-free faucets because a connected hose can interfere with proper

Yes. Because warm air naturally rises, upstairs rooms are usually a few degrees warmer. However, if the difference is significant, poor airflow, inadequate insulation, or HVAC issues may be contributing. While

While everyone has different comfort preferences, the following temperatures work well for many homes. Home during the day 78°F Sleeping 74–76°F Away from home 82–85°F Vacation 85°F (depending on pets, plants,

In most cases, a central air conditioner’s outdoor condenser does not need to be completely covered for winter. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for your specific equipment. If you’re concerned about

To keep pipes from freezing during cold weather, insulate exposed plumbing, let faucets drip a small stream of water, and keep indoor cabinet doors open to circulate warm air Protect vulnerable plumbing from

There isn’t one temperature that’s ideal for every household. Your preferred setting depends on comfort, energy costs, your home’s insulation, and the people and pets living there. A programmable or smart therm