Winter weather in Muncie may be warmer than normal this year, but despite the milder conditions, according to experts, Ball State University students should still take the proper steps to weatherize their cars and homes.
House or apartment
- Check for air leaks around windows and doors. Drape a tissue on the tip of a pencil and trace around the perimeter. Areas with outside air blowing in can be identified if the tissue moves. When a leak is found think about placing plastic coverings over the areas.
- When leaving for the weekend or longer breaks don't lower the thermostat more than 10 degrees. It takes more energy to reheat a home once its residents are back in it.
- Landlords should install a computerized thermostat. It tracks patterns of use and will pay for itself in savings within one year of use.
- Leave cabinet doors containing water pipes open to avoid freezing. Also, try wrapping blankets or cloth around the pipes to provide extra insulation.
- Lower thermostats by five degrees at night before going to bed. It's healthier to sleep in a cooler area and it cuts energy costs.
- Put ceiling fans on the low reverse setting to push warm air down into rooms.
- Furnace filters should be changed every one to three months. Keeping them unclogged lets warm air through more effectively.
- Insulated curtains don't look much different than decorative hangings, but they can help to keep the warm air in and the cold air out.
- Use caution with kerosene space heaters because they can cause fires. An oil heater is a great alternative; it combines the safety of oil heating with a room humidifier.
- Use sunlight as a way to naturally heat rooms when possible. Place a hand between the window and curtain to feel the temperature of the air in that space. If it's cooler than the room leave the curtains shut to avoid letting more cold air in.
Energy
- Energy prices are less than they were a month ago, but they will be higher than last winter. Expect gas and electric companies to increase rates.
- In the debate between using gas or electricity, consider two things - the purchase price and the price of running the product. Typically, electricity is a better initial buy, but gas will save money in the long run.
- Use a microwave as an alternative to a gas range as much as possible. When using a gas oven, leave the oven door open after cooking to take advantage of the extra heat.
- Shut off the heat register in rooms that aren't being used, and keep that door closed to save on heating costs.
- Fireplaces are ineffective heating devices unless they are equipped with a blower. Without the blower the fireplace only works to pull warm air out of the room.
Weather
- Muncie can expect a winter that is warmer than normal.
- The average winter precipitation rate in Muncie is 21 inches, but it could be slightly lower this year because of warmer temperatures.
- Temperatures are expected to cool off after Halloween and stay that way.
- Now is a good time to invest in a winter coat, along with hats, gloves, scarves and snow boots.
Automobile
- Some auto shops in Muncie offer free courtesy inspections, which include a check up on lights, belts, tires, batteries and coolant.
- Know a battery's condition. It is important when entering the winter months. Extreme heat or cold can cause failure in older models.
- Tires should be rotated to combat snowy and icy terrain. For cars with front-wheel drive the newest tires should go at the front. Cars with rear wheel drive put the newest tires at the back.
- Have the coolant checked - it should be a mix of 50 percent antifreeze and 50 percent water.
- Preventative maintenance is the key to surviving winter. Have check-ups run by mid-November.
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