Although those of us that live in Eastern North Carolina don't have the extremely harsh winters that others in the united states have, Eastern North Carolina does occasionally have snow, and like now, at times, we do have extremely cold weather.

TODAY Show home expert Lou Manfredini and Marvin Windows and Doors tells us all that it is not too late to winterize our homes. Those of us in Morehead City, Beaufort, Emerald Isle, New Bern, Jacksonville, Oriental, Greenville, Washington, Wilmington, Swansboro, Topsail Beach, Surf City, Sunset Beach, Hampstead, Wilmington, Harkers Island, Atlantic Beach, or any of the surrounding towns, can take some good advice from Mr. Manfredini and Marvin Windows and Doors.


For example, as we write this, at appx 8:45am on Jan 4, 2010, the current temps according to The Weather Channel in our local areas are as follows: (which, as you will see, is all the more reason to winterize your home this winter)


Morehead City - 26
Beaufort - 26
Emerald Isle - 23
New Bern - 25
Jacksonville - 23
Oriental - 21
Greenville - 22
Washington - 23
Wilmington - 25
Swansboro - 23
Sunset Beach - 25
Hampstead - 29
Harkers Island - 27
Atlantic Beach - 26


With Oriental coming in at 21 degrees, and the warmest is Hampstead, coming in at a whopping 29 degrees, it's COLD outside. Try these tips from Marvin Windows and Doors here in Eastern North Carolina to winterize your home.


1. Get a furnace tune-up and replace the filter. A clogged filter and an inefficient furnace could add as much as 5 percent to your heating bill. A tune-up is inexpensive and will not only save you money this winter, but also ensure a longer life for your furnace. Filters should be replaced monthly for best performance.


2. Check your windows and doors for drafts. Run a lighted candle around the edge of your windows and doors. If the flame flickers, it’s a sign that you’ve got an energy-robbing draft. Close the gaps with caulk, weatherstripping or expanding foam.


3. Install a programmable thermostat. This is one of the simplest, least expensive ways to save money year round. Program your thermostat for a lower temperature during the day when you’re at work and at night when you’re asleep. With the money you save, you can have a toasty warm house during the hours you’re relaxing at home.


4. Consider replacing your old, inefficient windows. If you’ve got old, inefficient windows throughout your home, you could be losing as much heat as if you left a 2-foot by 2-foot window open all winter! And when the temperature outside is 0 degrees Fahrenheit, the temperature on the inside glass of a single-pane window is only 15 degrees. Energy-efficient windows can save you 15 to 25 percent on your heating bill while making your home more comfortable. Many Marvin windows and doors qualify for a $1,500 federal energy efficiency tax credit. Windows & More, A Marvin Design Gallery, located in Morehead City in Eastern North Carolina, can assist you with your window and door replacement needs.


5. Check your attic insulation. Heat rises, and if your attic is poorly insulated, those heating dollars are going right out through the roof. Have a qualified contractor check your attic insulation.


If live in Eastern North Carolina, and you choose to winterize your home, you will not only be keeping warmer, but you will also be saving money.


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