How to Cut Energy Bills in Winter

Conserving energy is one of the most effective ways to minimize your electricity bills. Many people do not realize that a lot of the waste of energy in our homes can be prevented through a few simple measures. Use the steps below to help prepare your house for the winter season ahead.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Begin your quest for energy efficiency with the roof your home. Check for any stressed spots or damaged shingles. These not only jeopardize the stability of the roof, but also leak heat from the home. They also let water and moisture in, causing water damage to the home's insulation.

2. Check on the foundation vents for any broken pieces, and close them in preparation for colder weather. These vents are designed to allow moisture to evaporate in the summer; in the winter, they let cold air in and keep the floors colder, so they should be shut for the season.

3. Ensure that you have sufficient insulation in your home. Add more wherever it is needed to maintain the efficiency of the insulation from the floors all the way up to the attic. The insulation in your attic, for example, should be no lower than R-38, which approximates to 12 to 14 inches of fiberglass insulation.

4. Look for and repair any drafts you find inside and outside of your home. A quick way to check for drafts is by looking for daylight between doors and the door frames, window sills and frames, and beneath any doors leading outside. Weather stripping should be applied to all doors and windows in your home to maximize your insulation benefits. A little crack in a windowsill without weather-stripping allows in the same amount of cold air as a 9-square-inch hole in the wall.

5. Seal up any gaps or cracks around outlets, vents, pipes and cables using caulk. Use expanding foam for any gaps that are larger than a ¼ inch. Be sure to use expanding foam that is specifically designed for home air-sealing. Also take care not to use too much foam, as it can expand uncontrollably and damage a door or window frame.

6. Familiarize yourself with the heating system, fireplace or wood stove in your home. No matter what means of heat your family depends on to survive the bitter winter months, chances are it is going to need an annual cleaning and overhaul.

7. Maintain the efficiency of heat out put by keeping any dust out of the motorized parts and changing filters as needed. Keep your chimney free of debris and overhanging limbs. Contract a chimney sweep to keep the flue clear of ash, and keep the inside of the fireplace free of excessive ash and dirt.

Tips & Warnings

• Replace all batteries in your smoke detectors, and check all of them to make certain they are in excellent working condition.