Keep the cold air outside this winter

Although it still feels like summer here in the past week or so, winter is not far away. Don’t let your hard-earned money blow away through drafty doors and windows, as well as un-insulated attics, walls, floors, and basements. As we stay indoors to stay warm this winter, save your money and reduce your utility bills by following the energy efficiency tips below:

• Find air leaks inside and around the exterior of the home. Check around fixtures that penetrate walls, such as exhaust fans and electrical outlets. Look for unfilled gaps and cracks near dryer vents, chimneys and faucet pipes.
• Seal leaks between moving parts with weather stripping, such as between a door and its frame. Caulk cracks between windows and walls, as well as around door frames.
• Replace your screens with storm windows and doors. If you have older or leaky windows that you can’t replace, consider doing temporary fixes, such as plastic film kits that create the effect of an interior storm window.
• If you are shopping for new windows, doors, or skylights, look for ones with the Energy Star label.
• Make sure attics and flooring above unheated areas, such as crawl spaces and the garage, are properly insulated.
• Have your furnace checked by a professional to make sure it’s operating safely and at its optimal level. In addition, change your furnace filters monthly.
• Have a programmable thermostat installed to automatically raise and lower home temperatures for energy savings by day and night.

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