Installing insulation behind electrical plugs on walls with an exterior side is a good idea. Kits can be purchased at home improvement and most department stores. They are a cost-effective way to help fortify the interior of your home against the cold - making it more energy efficient.

For more effective heating, replace your furnace filter each month; vacuum heating vents and other heating components. Also consider replacing old fashioned furnace thermostats with a programmable LED model.

This will allow you to regulate the temperature to a lower setting for times when no one is at home, or while everyone is tucked in bed for the night. Set temperatures warmer for first thing in the morning, or when people are home.

An additional coat of sealer will help protect outside decks against the winter, and mulch or straw in and around garden beds will help protect perennials from freezing. If you use wood or pellets to help heat your home, be sure you have a good supply on hand.

Another great way to winterize your home and conserve energy is to replace old windows with new. A home design or remodeling expert can give expert advice on styles and combinations of windows that will not only weatherize your home and cut down of heating costs. But enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home's exterior and increase the market value of your home, as well.

To locate a reliable home improvement and renovation professional in your area, post your project online for free at TrustedPros.ca and receive bids from qualified professionals in your area, ready to compete for your business.