It can be hard to detect air leaks where cold air is blasting inside during the winter months, and the United States Department of Energy has two easy tips to find out if there are leaks in your house. First, turn off all the indoor and outdoor lights, and use a flashlight to shine on potential gaps inside the house. Have someone outside to observe the house as you shine the light; large cracks in the house will show up as rays of light. Second, grab a dollar bill and shut a door or window on it. If you can pull it out and it doesn't drag, the window or door needs to be weather-sealed.

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It's easy to make upcycled firestarters to use to get your wood-burning stove or fireplace roaring in the fall and winter months. Save cardboard egg cartons, old candles and dryer lint. Tear large pieces of dryer lint and place it inside each egg carton compartment. Then melt the old candle in a heat-resistant glass container over simmering water. Pour the melted wax into each compartment, covering the dryer lint. Allow it to cool. To use your firestarter, just tear one compartment and light the cardboard in the fireplace. It'll burn slowly and evenly and allow your fire to "catch" and get going.