Want to get the most out of your heater this winter? Make sure your windows and doors are properly sealed to prevent those cold drafts from ruining your comfort and making your heating system work overtime. The following tips can keep you toasty and save you money on your heating bill:

• Older windows are especially drafty. You can coat your window panes with special plastic sheeting designed to keep the heat in and the cold out.

• Use window curtains as an additional layer of protection against draftiness.

• Seal the open edges of your doors with weather stripping from the hardware store.

• Use store-bought or homemade draft stoppers and door sweeps to prevent cold air from coming through the bottom of your doors. You can make your own draft stopper by filling a fabric tube (or old t-shirt) with dried beans or popcorn kernels.

For an annual inspection of your heat furnace and overall heating system, contact your trusted Charlotte NC HVAC company. An HVAC technician, through preventative maintenance, can address any potential heating system issues before they become larger problems, providing you with peace of mind and warm winter comfort.