The Cliffs Cottage at Furman

Tightening Up

When I arose this morning and the indoor temp was a cool 58 degrees, I took pity on my huddling kitties and turned the switch igniting the gas burner for the first time since April. We have fended off the indoor chill for a month or more with sweaties, turtlenecks, polar fleece and quilts. Now comes the inevitable capitulation to creature comfort.

Having previously lived in a 110 year-old home in a much cooler clime, this time of year I often reflect on the sage advice of Tom Silva, of This Old House (PBS) renown. Some of Tom’s simplest, low-cost, cold-deflecting actions and weapons of choice include:

• Foam in a can to fill in air spaces around outdoor light fixtures, electrical outlets, windows, and foundations.
• Putty or aluminum tape to caulk leaky ductwork.
• Insulation for exposed water pipes in unheated spaces. Heat loss can be as great as 2-5 degrees every 10 feet.
• Changing furnace filters for more efficient heat flow.
• Repairing cracked panes and window glaze.
• Locking your windows to keep cold air at bay.
• Installing glass doors on the fireplace. This will retain radiant heat, drawing air from the chimney rather than from heated indoor areas.

When you’ve finished tightening up, grab a cup of hot chocolate, the afghan crocheted by your great aunt, and a good book. If you’ve done your job well, you’ll save money and energy resources, and best of all, it’ll never be more than a two dog night.