| By :
Mark Etinger
What is the first thing you do when it gets cold outside? Crank up the heat! That, and snuggling with your favorite fleece blanket, hot cocoa in hand. However, if you took the time to seal your home in the end of summer and autumn then you could actually use less energy heating your home for the forthcoming season. That could save you 10 to 20% of your heating costs over winter and in the future, and will lower your annual energy bill. This is also good news for your energy service company, who will have to stock up on supplies to provide for gas and electric hogging consumers. So what is meant by winterization and sealing? It pertains to how well your home is insulated. When planning to re-insulate or update the insulation of your home start with the entrances. You can easily find air leaks in doors and windows by putting your hand there and testing for the strength of a draft. Once you have located those, mark them down somewhere and proceed to the attic and basement. Do what you must to close those cracks, crevices, and gaps. Caulk, weather strip, and foam to your heart's content. Once you've done all you can preparing your home you can focus your attention on other energy solutions, namely how much you pay energy companies to provide, and the effectiveness of your indoor ventilation and appliances. Is your heating and cooling system functioning at its highest possible standards? Do the vents need to be fixed or do filters need replacement? Those should definitely be a priority since there is no point in paying for heat that will not permeate the rooms. Also, if you use gas or fuel operated appliances be sure they ventilate. You do not want toxins seeping back into the living space. And, not to be forgotton: the utility bills. How much do you spend on energy in winter? Aside from heat. Do you spend more time cooking than eating out? Do you watch more television and use more electronics, such as your computer? You can cut costs by conserving energy and by researching alternative energy providers. Manage your energy consumption simply by monitoring your meter data before and after you change your consumption habits. Switch to an energy company that gives you fair rates per use and per season. Look for the best possible contract and see if they offer rebates. By winterizing your home and adjusting your seasonal behavior you will see a significant lowering in the cost.
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