Ready for cold's return?
Take the chill out of your home and cold-weather energy costs
As the heat and humidity of summer wane, they will soon give way to fall and the cold of another Wisconsin winter. Be sure your home is ready to provide comfort efficiently.
Have your heating system checked. If you didn't get your furnace or boiler serviced at the end of last winter, be sure to get it checked soon by a qualified contractor or MGE.
A checkup should include a thorough examination of the chimney and venting system. An improperly maintained furnace wastes energy and could be a potential source of carbon monoxide.
• Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Install fresh batteries too.
• Close your fireplace damper when it's not in use.
Weatherize windows and doors.
• Caulk and weather-strip as needed.
• Make sure storm windows are in good condition, closed with windows locked.
Make sure your dryer's vent cap keeps out cold air. Remove lint buildup where the dryer meets the vent and at the vent cap. Replace any plastic vent with metal.
Seal through-wall air conditioners with air-tight covers. Remove window units.
Turn off your refrigerator's anti-sweat switch designed to reduce moisture around refrigerator door seals during hot, humid weather. Switch it off at summer's end. (Not found on some newer units.)
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