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It's time to start pulling the heavier clothes out of storage and getting ready for cooler temperatures. If you could use some extra holiday cash, you might find these money-saving tips useful when winterizing your home.

Inspect Your Insulation
The most effective way to save on heating is to make sure your home is properly insulated. You can check this yourself by going into the attic and looking for your ceiling joists. If you can see them, you need more insulation. According to the Department of Energy, the cost to heat an average home is approximately $1,400. Making sure you have adequate insulation could save you big bucks. If you're unsure, you can call Action for a free inspection.

Keep the Thermostat Set Low at Night
Setting the thermostat back eight degrees will save 8-10 percent of heating costs according to the U.S. Department of Energy. If you have a heat pump, you might need a special set back thermostat.

Plug the Gaps Outside
In order to keep your home cozy, it's important to keep cold air out. Cracks on the exterior perimeter should be sealed. In addition, gaps around windows and faucets should also be sealed. Standard caulking can be used in temperatures above 40 degrees. Use weatherstripping around doors to prevent cold air from entering the home.

Check the Foundation
When sealing the gaps on the outside of your home, it's important to inspect the foundation. Rake away all debris and vegetation to check for cracks and openings. Remember, mice can slip through spaces as thin as a dime. Don't forget to secure crawlspace entrances. This will also help to keep the cold air out.

Insulate the Hot Water Heater
Something you might not think about when winterizing your home is insulating the hot water heater. You can get an insulation blanket for about $20 that goes around the water heater. This helps keep the hot water inside from cooling down. It can save you money since the water heater doesn't have to heat up the water those few extra degrees.

Related Document: Winter 08 Newsletter.pdf (Winter 08' Newsletter)

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