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5 ways to winterize your home

Now's the time to start thinking about winterizing your home if you haven't already. There are low-cost options as well as major investments to make your home more energy efficient.
In this photo illustration, a Nest thermostat installed in a home. (Photo illustration by George Frey/Getty Images)

As the weather gets colder, you're going to turn up the heat and pay more for it. Puget Sound Energy has some ideas to make your home more energy efficient this winter.

Some tips will cost you nothing or next to it, while others might be more of an investment:

  • Try a door wedge. Anything you can do to keep the drafts at bay will help. You can find a wind wedge at most stores, but if you're a do-it-yourselfer, you can likely make it with some material, a bag of beans and some velcro.
  • Buy a thermal insulated drape. These drapes can make a big difference -- just make sure you open them when the sun is out and close them when the sun goes down.
  • Get a smart thermostat. This is a slight investment, but a Nest thermostat could help you save up to 10 percent on your utility bill this winter. You can also get rebates from Puget Sound Energy or other utility companies on some models.
  • Install good insulation. It's a little more money, but good insulation is like a blanket for your home. Without good insulation, you're going to spend more on your utilities.
  • Invest in a ductless heat pump. A ductless heat pump will cost you a little more money but they provide consistent room comfort and can be extremely effective.

If you're a Puget Sound Energy customer you can find out more about rebates and other ways to save here.

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