Cool weather is with us once again, and you may already be
thinking about getting your home ready for another
heating season.
Cocking, storm windows, and insulation all can
help save energy and money.
But which job should you do first?
University of Wisconsin Extension Energy Specialist
Tom Smith suggests that you start with
the simple things.
The first thing that you will want to consider is reducing
the temperature in your home, bringing back your thermostat
from 72 degrees to 68 degrees, for instance, will save you
about 10% on your heating bill.
But you don't have to stop there.
Night setback will save an additional 1% for each
degree that you setback.
When the temperature is setback, then it's the time to
seal out drafts with caulking and weather stripping.
When the drafts are sealed out, then check the condition
of your storm windows.
Make sure that they fit well, that they're no broken pains.
And this much is done, the envelope of your house
is tight and draft free.
Then you should consider insulation, first the attic,
and then the side walls.
Last but certainly not least, be sure that your furnace is
tuned regularly and that you change the filters
regularly during the winter.
Weatherizing pays off in two ways, Smith says.
First, you'll save money every winter on heating bills.
And second, your energy efficient home will
be more valuable if and when you decide to
sell it.