Winterize your home (yes, now) for energy savings
It’s not too early to think about winterizing your home. If you begin now, your costs and chores can be spread out before cold weather arrives. Here are some tips to save energy – and money.
• If you’re in the market for a new furnace, begin shopping the sales now. You’ll get a better price than if your furnace goes out in the middle of a cold snap in December. Consult your utility company for any special deals it might have. Make sure your new furnace is Energy Star qualified.
• On the next windy day, check your home for air leaks. Hold a candle or incense in front of doors and windows. If the candle flickers or the incense smoke moves horizontally, the window or door has an air leak. Apply caulking or weather stripping to any leaky window or door.
•Caulk around dryer vents and plumbing and electrical accesses through exterior walls.
•A programmable thermostat can cut your heating costs by raising and lowering the temperature at pre-set times.
•Ceiling fans aren’t only for hot weather. Consider putting a ceiling fan in the most-used room. Set on a slow speed in the reverse direction, a ceiling fan can redistribute warmer air from the ceiling into the room below.
•If you have single-pane windows or older wood-frame windows, keep an eye out for sales on double-pane windows. If you can’t afford to replace all the windows at once, consider replacing the windows on the coldest (north) side of the house. If replacement windows are out of the question, consider storm windows or thermal lined drapes, or invest in clear plastic sheeting window kits.
•Hire a professional to add insulation to your attic, including the hatch cover, and to inspect ductwork for leaks.
•Do your homework if you’re considering a room heater. Electric is generally the most expensive way to heat. Investigate radiant space heaters or a radiant heat panel.
•Ask your electric or gas company to schedule a free energy audit. You’ll learn steps you can take to reduce your heating energy costs.