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(continued from page 03) • Check insulation to make sure it is adequate. Proper insulation and
holes or tears in seals surrounding windows and doors. Seal leaks by air-sealing measures can save homeowners up to 20 percent on
applying tape, foam or felt weather stripping to doors and caulking the heating costs or up to 10 percent of total energy costs, according to
joints around window frames and between the frame and wall. the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Check to see if gaps between siding and windows or door frames are • Insulate water pipes to minimize risk of freezing during frigid tem-
bigger than a nickel. If they are, the American Society of Home Inspec- peratures and help maximize the efficiency of a hot-water system.
tors recommends reapplying exterior caulk. Silicone caulk is best for Precut pipe foam is available at most hardware stores.
exterior use because it doesn’t shrink and can withstand the elements. • Reverse ceiling fans to run clockwise, so they circulate warm air
Other winter energy-saving tips include: throughout the room.
• Cover electrical outlets to prevent cold air from entering through • Dust and vacuum air ducts, so the heating system doesn’t have to
the outlets. work as hard to circulate heat throughout your home. n

GraPhic By enerGy.Gov

Tips for cutting

your heating bills

In winter months,
open your curtains 70˚
during the day to
naturally heat your
home and close Use a programmable Consider air sealing your home and adding insulation
them at night to thermostat to set your to your walls and attic to help retain your home’s heat.
keep the heat inside. heater back while you Up to 25 percent of your home’s heat is lost through
are away or asleep. small cracks and holes throughout your home.

Seal your air ducts,
and make sure they
are properly insulated
when they are
installed in an Weatherstrip around Set your ceiling fan to
unheated area of the your doors and windows spin clockwise to blow Make sure your
home, such as an to keep warm the rising hot air down. chimney is clean.
attic or crawlspace. air from escaping.

Source: Energy Saver (www.energy.gov/energysaver), Weatherscan Assistance Program Technical Assistance Center
(http://waptac.org) and U.S. Energy Information Administration (www.eia.gov)

Fall - Winter 2019 ❙ naturalLiving 15
Please recycle this magazine after you read it.