'Freeze' Energy Costs This Winter: Tips for Winterizing the Home

While there's not much people can do to bring the price of natural gas or energy down, there are simple ways to improve a home's efficiency to shave money off bills this winter.

Bloomington, IL (PRWEB) November 6, 2008 -- This winter, homeowners may feel a biting sting more breath-taking than cold winds against their faces as they are shocked with sky-high heating and energy bills.

According to the Energy Information Administration (http://www.eia.doe.gov) U.S. households are projected to spend an average of $1,152 per household for heating this winter, an increase of about 17 percent over last winter. While there's not much people can do to bring the price of natural gas or energy down, there are simple ways to improve a home's efficiency to shave money off bills this winter.

"Investing time now to winterize the home will make winter more comfortable and less expensive for the household," said Jackie Cooper, director of marketing and communications for Eureka® (http://www.eureka.com).

Cooper offers some tips to help people prepare their home for the big chill ahead:

•    Start by examining the seals around exterior doors and windows, making sure they are airtight. Even the slightest openings can turn up the temperature on your energy bills. Apply caulk on cracks or weather-striping around doors and windows if necessary to stop drafts. Place storm windows in all windows to cut down on wind flow into the home.

•    Use energy efficient appliances to reduce energy usage (http://www.eureka.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=48&Itemid=112). Examine heating devices and hot water heaters, among other large appliances, to ensure they're working efficiently. Older appliances consume much more energy than newer, more efficient models. Consumers can use various sources to calculate their energy consumption and seek alternative solutions. Also, start to look for energy savings with smaller household items, such as vacuums. The Eureka envirovac™ (http://www.eureka.com/index.php?option=com_productdisplay&view=productdisplay&task=getproducts&productid=7) is a full-size upright vacuum (http://www.eureka.com) that features an 8-amp motor, which provides powerful cleaning results while using 33 percent less energy* than the usual 12-amp motor.

•    Pull out the old furnace filter, vacuum the intake grill and replace the filter regularly. A clean furnace runs more efficiently.

•    Consider installing a programmable thermostat that automatically adjusts temperatures during the day and night. This simple add-on can shave an average of 30 percent off of your annual heating bills.

•    Leave blinds or curtains open during the day to allow the warmth of the sun to naturally improve the inside temperature. Close blinds at night to keep from heating the outside.

•    Do a whole-house inspection before winter hits to identify any gaps around exterior light fixtures, outdoor taps and other through-the-wall openings. Insulate them accordingly.

Eureka's envirovac retails for $72.22 at Walmart (http://www.walmart.com). For more information about Eureka products or Eureka's efforts around the environment, consumers can visit www.eureka.com.

*A typical full-size upright uses 12 amps; envirovac™ uses 8 amps.

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