Options for lower utility bills

The news is not good for heating bills this winter. Many economists are predicting double digit increases in the costs we pay to heat our homes.

Homeowners faced with rising heating and cooling costs have several options for improving the energy efficiency of their home. In addition to adding insulation to the attic, many homeowners have replaced their windows with more energy efficient windows.

Storm windows cost much less than replacement windows, and they have the potential to save nearly as much energy. This is especially true for some of the new storm window products that are available with a low-e coating. As with replacement windows, it is important to pay careful attention to sealing all air leakage pathways when mounting the storm windows.

If your wall cavities are poorly insulated, or uninsulated, this is a great opportunity to blow insulation into this empty space. People are often reluctant to tackle this job because it involves cutting small holes into their home’s exterior walls, and the patched holes are sometimes noticeable.

This will save you more energy, and more heating and cooling dollars, than anything else you can do to your walls. Most homeowners find it necessary to hire a contractor for this job. Most contractors will let you choose either loose-fill cellulose or fiberglass.

The goods news is - homeowners have many options to cut heating costs this winter and realize lower utility bills year round!