Do you find yourself tempted at home to turn up the heat during this cold California weather, but are concerned about the expense of your family’s heating bills? Conserving home energy and costs can be done through some easy home energy conservation tips.

“Sealing and insulating your home is one of the most cost-effective ways to make a home more comfortable and energy-efficient, and you can do it yourself. A tightly sealed home can improve comfort and indoor air quality while reducing utility bills,” according to nachi.org

Focusing on sealing the “outer shell” is the most efficient way to stop heat or air conditioning from escaping into the outside atmosphere. You need to do the basic upgrades that focus on the outer shell of your home, according to socalgas.com Upgrades such as:

• Air sealing

• Attic insulation

• Duct sealing

Reducing the amount of air leaks can help you save some money.  Caulking and weatherstriping are two simple and effective air-sealing techniques that offer quick returns on investment, often one year or less, according to energy.gov.

Even if you cannot weatherproof your house immediately, you can take some simple steps to be more comfortable during a California cold snap, according to  knowledgeweighsnothing.com.

• If you have cold feet, you’re going to be cold. Make sure to keep warm by wearing thick wool socks.

• Dress in multiple layers to keep your core temperature comfortably warm.

• Keep your oven door open to let its heat circulate throughout your kitchen.

• Raise your core temperature by consuming hot soup on cold winter days.

• along with the caffeine boost, hot coffee or tea keeps you warm from the inside.

• During the day, open curtains or blinds to let warm sunlight naturally heat your home.

• Clean your home or exercise whenever you feel the sting of coldness.

So even if the weather outside is “frightful”, being indoors can still be “delightful” by using the simple but effective energy saving tips.