By Wayne Price

    I recently noticed our family cat, Penelope, curled up in a blanket on the couch. If she could talk, I have a feeling she would echo my wife and suggest that we turn up the thermostat a couple degrees.
    This month, I’d like to share a few simple ways you can make your home more comfortable this winter, which can ultimately help you save on energy bills.
    As we head into the cold weather season here in Nebraska, it’s a good idea to replace the HVAC filter for better air quality and to help the unit operate more efficiently. You can also keep your home cozier by caulking and weatherstripping windows and doors. If your home is particularly chilly, you can tape or affix heavy, clear plastic to the inside of your window frames to create an additional barrier against the cold. Ensure that the plastic is tightly sealed to the frame to help reduce infiltration.
    We know winter can be “ruff”, so we set our thermostat at 68 degrees, a “purr-fect” temperature for people and pets. This is especially important for smaller, short hair and senior dogs––not just for warmth, but for their general health. Puppies, kittens and older pets with arthritis or other ailments may have a harder time controlling their body heat and need the additional warmth when it’s chilly out.
    Pets that sleep close to the floor can be subject to cold drafts that enter your home through windows and exterior doors. If your pet’s bed is near a window or door that feels drafty, tightly roll up a towel and place it near the bottom of the door or window to eliminate the draft. Cutting down on cold drafts helps everyone feel more comfortable during colder months.
    Try to elevate your pet’s bed so it’s not placed directly on a cold floor. An old chair or sofa cushion works well. If you don’t use a dog bed, take some old blankets and create a donut shape on the cushion so the dog can snuggle and “nest” within the blanket. You can do the same for cats but on a smaller scale. Blankets enable pets to nestle into them, even when they aren’t tired, and provide a comfortable place for dogs and cats to curl up.
    During the day, open your blinds and curtains to allow sunlight to warm your home. Close window coverings at night for an added layer of insulation.
    We can’t control the weather, but we can provide advice to help you save energy and keep your family and furry friends more comfortable during the winter season.