Check for cracks and crevices. Seal exterior walls around pipes and wires.
Invest in storm windows and doors. A temporary alternative is to seal windows and unused doors with plastic sheeting.
Have your furnace or heat pump inspected by a professional contractor. A poorly functioning heating system can rob you of energy dollars as well as waste energy.
Change the filters on your heating system once a month to help improve efficiency.
Seal any duct leaks.
Clear furniture, rugs, carpeting and drapes from vents and registers.
Dial down the thermostat. Settings of 65 degrees during the day and 55 degrees at night are recommended during winter months. (Higher settings are suggested for infants, the elderly and ill persons.)
Install a programmable thermostat.
Close vents and registers in unused rooms.
Install ceiling fans to help circulate warm air through your home.
See more insulation suggestions below in the ENERGY TIP.
An energy audit, particularly a blower door test, is necessary to get a thorough, accurate measurement of air leakage in your home. But you can detect some air leaks yourself using these suggestions from the US Department of Energy - Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy program.
First, look at areas where different materials meet, such as between brick and wood siding, between foundation and walls, and between the chimney and siding. Also inspect around the following areas for any cracks and gaps that could cause air leaks:
Door and window frames
Mail chutes
Electrical and gas service entrances
Cable TV and phone lines
Outdoor water faucets
Where dryer vents pass through walls
Bricks, siding, stucco, and foundation
Air conditioners
Vents and fans
For more air-leak detection methods, visit the EERE web site at: www.eere.energy.gov.
