Carnival season is in full swing here in New Orleans. Between parades, king cake and celebrations, it’s also the perfect time to give your home a quick energy checkup. Cooler temps, lighter humidity and the occasional cold snap make it an ideal month to prepare your home for whatever weather comes next.

Here are simple steps to keep your home comfortable and efficient all season long:

Seal air gaps before humid or freezing weather hits.

Small gaps around doors, windows and attic hatches can let in unwanted air—whether that’s muggy heat or a burst of cold. Sealing these areas helps your HVAC system work less and your home stay more comfortable. A few small fixes now can prevent drafts and energy loss later.

• Add weatherstripping around exterior doors.
• Apply caulk to seal gaps around windows, trim and siding.
• Ensure your attic hatch closes tightly and is properly insulated.

By sealing those areas now, your home will stay more comfortable, use less energy and be better prepared for whether the forecast calls for rising humidity or a winter cold snap.

How Energy Smart can help:

Energy Smart offers free assessments from trained energy advisors who help you identify where your home is losing energy and which improvements can make the biggest impact.

If needed, Energy Smart connects you with qualified trade ally contractors who use advanced diagnostic tools, like blower doors and infrared cameras, to uncover hidden leaks and inefficiencies you can’t see.

Learn more about Energy Smart’s home energy assessments and other money‑saving opportunities. Visit energysmartnola.com or call 504-229-6868.