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Tips and Tricks: Get Your Home Ready For Winter

It takes a lot of energy and money to keep your home comfortable during long Minnesota winters. Don't let precious heat escape easily. As energy costs increase, so do the cost savings from effective winterization. "Whether you use electricity or another fuel to heat your house, you can make a big difference on your winter heating bills by properly insulating," said Gary Connett, Director of Demand Side Management and Member Services at Great River Energy. According to ENERGY STAR you can save up to 20 percent on your heating and cooling costs by effectively sealing and insulating your home. Take these simple measures to help winterize your house, lower heating bills and enjoy a comfortable Minnesota winter.

Start From the Top

Because hot air rises, insulating the attic may be your best opportunity for saving energy. To see if your insulation is sufficient, take a peek. If it's not as deep as the floor joists, you should probably add more. In cold climates like ours, attic insulation should have an R value of 44, which equals about 16 inches of fiberglass insulation or 12 inches of cellulose.

Keep the Outside Out

Once the attic is insulated, seal leaks in your basement to prevent the "chimney effect," which is the primary cause of drafts. The chimney effect occurs as hot air generated in your furnace rises through the home and air is drawn in through the basement to replace the displaced hot air. By sealing leaks in your basement, you can cut off the chimney effect at its foundation.

Common locations for leaks include the perimeter of the home where the foundation meets the first floor, all electrical, water or gas lines, and any ducts venting to the outside. Caulk works well to seal cracks that are a quarter of an inch or less. Spray foam will work for gaps of up to 3 inches.

Seal Duct Joints

Your ductwork is designed to efficiently circulate air, but if connections are loose you could be venting heat in unwanted places. By sealing all joints with mastic sealant or metal tape you can reduce losses. And, although there are infinite uses for duct tape, you should never use it on ducts. Contrary to what the name suggests it's not a long-lasting sealant.

Save Energy but Stay Safe

It's important to recognize that a winterized home will receive less fresh air for ventilation.

It's always wise to provide an outside air supply for combustion appliances like gas stoves and furnaces. Always deal with a professional contractor and check with your local building inspector to find out what is required for your home to keep the air warm and healthy.

Further ensure safety by installing carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home.

"Following these easy steps will go a long way toward saving on your heating bill, but they are just a start," said Gary Connett. "You can contact the co-op office for additional ideas."

You can also find an in-depth guide to preparing your home for winter at the home improvement section of www.energystar.gov.