How to lower your heating and cooling bills
It’s time for some homework of a different kind: instead of reading information, making lists, and planning your financial future, it’s time to put down the pen and paper and get your hands dirty! How does this relate to money? Simple! By making your home more energy efficient, you’ll save money on your utility bills. Here we will go through four key things that you can do to help save energy: give some TLC to your windows and doors, maintain your furnace, apply caulk, and insulate.

Doors and windows: your biggest energy loser
Did you know that you lose the most energy in your house due to doors and windows? This is because of the clearance (about 1/8") that they need around each frame so that they can open and close smoothly. By sealing up those spaces around your doors and windows as best you can, you can really add to your energy savings.

First, consider installing storm doors and windows if your windows are older. Alternatively, think about replacing them with newer, more energy efficient doors and windows. Make sure that you replace any cracked or broken window glass as well – even the smallest crack can make a difference.

Installing weather stripping can also help fill those spaces, and with the wide variety of weather stripping types on the market today, you are sure to find something for every situation. Removable or reusable weather stripping, for example, is a temporary sealer. Foam weather stripping is a self-adhesive insulator, which means that when the door is closed, the foam gets compressed, which fills the space and stops hot (or cold in summer!) air from escaping. Similarly, door sweeps block the open space by attaching to the bottom of a door. Plastic window insulating kits are easy to use and can effectively seal and stop drafts from entering through the space around the window frame. Finally, glazing compound (putty) seals glass or plastic panels in their frames in doors or windows, keeping them from rattling.

Maintain Your Furnace
Did you know that your furnace needs a regular check-up? This will keep it running at 100% efficiency and can add years to its life. Before each heating season, have a licensed professional service your furnace.

Apply Caulk
Caulking tiny cracks and crevices around your house can literally save you hundreds of dollars on utility bills. Make sure you check the package directions, though, since often caulk must be applied when the outside temperature is 50 degrees or above. You can caulk around plumbing and gas pipes, electrical wiring, and dryer vents where they enter the house. Caulk also wherever two different surfaces meet, such as bricks and siding or around door and window frames.