Preparing for the Big Chill: Winterize Your Home

The average American household spends approximately $1,900 each year on electricity and natural gas—an amount that can increase dramatically if you live in colder climates or a larger house.

If utility bills are putting a dent in your bank account or your home is not as comfortable as you'd like it to be, you can take steps to ease the pain. Before winter arrives, consider the following tips:

Furnaces and Boilers
Just as a tune-up for your car can improve your gas mileage, a yearly tune-up of your heating system can improve efficiency and comfort. If your furnace is more than 10 years old or not keeping your house comfortable, consider replacing it with one that has earned the ENERGY STAR label. Installed correctly, these highefficiency units can save up to 15 percent on heating costs.

Water Heaters
Most people don't know that a water heater can account for about 15 percent of utility costs. When replacing your water heater, look for the rating on the EnergyGuide label. The higher the number, the more energy-efficient the water heater. Additionally, consult with a plumbing contractor about whether a tankless water heater—which heats only on demand—is right for your needs.

Windows
ENERGY STAR qualified windows can cut a home's annual utility costs by up to $400 per year. And, according to Remodeling magazine's annual "cost vs. value" survey, homeowners who install new windows can expect to recoup 85 percent of that investment when selling the property.

If new windows aren't in your budget, consider sealing drafty panes with transparent film products, which are widely available at home improvement stores.

Air Leakage
A major source of energy-related cost and comfort issues in your home may be the result of air leakage. Before investing in any major system improvements, be sure to inspect your home's window seals, door sweeps and jambs. Armed with a caulking gun and some weather-stripping products you or a handyman can invest a few hours to make your home more comfortable and energy-efficient.

A range of other lower-cost solutions also can help prepare your home for winter. For example, a programmable thermostat can deliver up to $150 in energy savings each year. And if your attic floor is bare or has insulation below the floor joists, consider adding more insulating material. Buttoning up your home means your heating system doesn't have to work as hard or be sized as large when it's time for replacement.