Winterize Your Home

Tips for helping to conserve energy and save money by winterizing your home.

Perform a thorough evaluation of your home. Some utility companies provide this as a free public service, or charge a nominal fee. If this service is not available in your area, you can perform your own evaluation.

Windows and Doors. These are the main sources of cold air drafts and entry in most houses. Fill cracks with weatherproof caulking. For doors, you can purchase weather-stripping and add draft stoppers. If your windows are old and very drafty, you can purchase heavy-duty clear plastic. If it's time to replace your windows and or doors, don't forget you may be eligible for a federal tax break. Check with your window and door supplier to see if you qualify or click here for more information: http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=206875,00.html?portlet=7.

Check and clean-out all of your home's gutters and downspouts. Make sure they are in good condition and free from debris so that melted snow can move freely and drain away from the foundation of your home.

Prepare your heating system. A professional servicing will make your heating system function more efficiently. You will also need to have the chimney cleaned.

For more information on how to conserve energy and save money, please visit the following websites:

http://www.efficiencyvermont.com/pages/

http://www.nh.gov/oep/programs/energy/winter_energy_costs.htm

http://www.thedailygreen.com/green-homes/latest/winterize-home-tips-energy-461008