Make Your Home Energy Efficient for Winter

We may not get winters in Dallas like they do in upstate New York or Seattle, but that doesn’t mean our homes don’t need a little winterizing before Jack Frost blows in. Taking just a few small steps to get your home ready for cooler temperatures could save you hundreds of dollars on energy costs this winter.

Check for Drafts and Leaks

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, simple leaks can zap energy efficiency by as much as 30 percent. Wherever there’s a draft coming in, your heat is getting out. Check seals on doors and windows. Check spots where two different building materials come together. Pay attention to those places where pipes and wires exit the wall or foundation, as well as electrical outlets.

There’s a method called the incense test that you can use to detect drafts in your home. Move a lit incense stick along these potentially draft places. If the smoke wavers, there’s air coming in. You can also have someone outside the home blow a hair dryer around each window while you hold a lit candle on the inside. If the candle flickers, you have leaks that can be sealed with caulking or weather stripping.

Insulating window films also help. They affix to your windows but don’t obstruct your view. Place them on the inside panes in the winter to keep heat in. Flip them over and place them on the outside panes in the summer to keep heat out. Window films are available at home improvement stores.

Attic Insulation

Insulation should be at least 12 inches high. If you can see the ceiling jois in your attic, it’s time to add more insulation. In 2010, the federal government will reimburse 30 percent of your cost for efficient insulation.

Install a Programmable Thermostat

Don’t pay for heat you’re not using. Use a programmable thermostat to automatically reduce the temperature in your home during times when nobody is there. For every degree you lower your thermostat, you’ll save up to 3 percent on your electric bill.

Water Heater Temperature

Most professional installers set the temperature at 140 degrees. If you lower the temperature on your water heater to 120 degrees, you will reduce your water heating costs by 6 percent to 10 percent.

Fireplace

Cold air can enter the home through the fire place. Keep the damper closed when a fire isn’t burning.

Upgrade Your Heating Unit

This is the most expensive option, but if your unit is old, it may be cheaper in the long run to replace the unit with an energy efficient system. Both the federal government and the state of Texas are issuing tax credit credits and rebates for making your home more energy efficient. See the website for more information.

Low Income Homes

You may qualify for $6,500 of free weatherization improvements to your home. Contact your electric or gas company for more information.

Saving energy means saving money. Don’t pay more than you than necessary to heat your home this winter.