HOME WINTERIZING TIPS TO HELP YOU SAVE MONEY

as colder weather approaches, homeowners feel a far cry kind of heat-tiptop energy bills and costly repairs, often due to damage from dampness fame the dwelling.

Often the culprits are inefficient windows and doors that compromise the home's "envelope"-its fixtures and surfaces that together help regulate indoor temperatures and provide protection from its elements.

each leak sway the home's envelope hits the pocketbook hard and enduring. racket lost through windows alone can account as 10 percent to 25 percent of a household's heating bill, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

"Now is the time to spend a little extra effort inspecting your home to actualize sure fixtures are in the best possible condition for combating cold, wet weather," said Joyce Richter, windows expert for Jeld-Wen, the window and door manufacturer. "Look for warping or cracks that testify to repairs or replacements are needed."

Jeld-Wen offers these supplementary tips:

* Use your propriety to detect leaks. Hold a lighted candle coming up closed windows and doors. You'll see immediately if cold air is inflowing indoors or warm air is seeping outward. Feel for cold spots besides look because of condensation on cold surfaces. envisage seals and weatherstrips.

* Take advantage of passive solar heating. Use insulated window coverings and close them at night. drive south-facing window coverings during the day.

* Understand how occupation efficiency is measured. The most important energy efficiency rating is U-factor. This is the amount of heat issuing through a window. The lower the number, the additional energy-efficient the window is.

* assess alacrity Star-qualified products. Appliances and incomparable household products that have undergone rigorous testing leave save money upon energy bills during intact seasons. The Environmental Protection Agency states that the symbolic household can save up to 30 percent on energy bills, about $400 per year, by selecting Energy Star-qualified products.

* Research the new generation of high-tech building materials. Composite materials, such as energy-efficient fiberglass doors, have become more widely available to homeowners. These materials protect against the forces of nature which cause the most worry: temperature changes, severe storms, dampness and insects.See More :
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