Weatherize and Insulate

Keeping cool air in your home during summer and warm air in your home in winter saves energy.

Did you know? ...

Heating and cooling your house requires anywhere from 50-70% of your total energy bill. By following these tips, you will reduce the amount of energy used to keep your house comfortable in the winter or summer.

Get a home energy audit. This will tell you how much energy your home consumes and will show you what you can do to make your home more energy efficient.

Check your home's insulation. Chances are, your house is underinsulated, unless it was built paying special attention to energy efficiency standards. Also, if you live in an older home, you probably are using more energy than newer homes - resulting in higher heating and cooling bills. A qualified home energy auditor can tell you if your home needs more insulation. (Source: Oak Ridge National Laboratory)

Cut the draft. Replacing single-paned windows with double-paned windows may almost double the resistance of your windows to the elements and can reduce unwanted cold or hot air leaking into your house. If windows still feel drafty, try taping a clear plastic sheet to the inside of the window frame or installing insulating window shades on your windows.

Caulk it! Remember to caulk and seal where plumbing, ducts or electrical wiring pass through walls, floors, cabinets and ceilings. Don't forget to caulk and weather-strip around doors and windows that air can leak in.

If you have a fireplace, keep the flue tightly shut when you are not using it. A chimney is designed to let air out, and when you don't have a fire going, warm air from your house is escaping.

Insulate your hot water pipes and hot water storage tank.

Have a professional check your home's heating and cooling system once a year.

Clean where the sun doesn't shine. Remember to check your air conditioner filters during the summer months and your furnace filters during the winter. Follow your manufacturer's recommendations on maintenance.