Tehama Country Real Estate

�n��ea�� ���r�� ef�i���n�� �n� s���ng� H O W T O F all and winter can be tough on your home and your wallet. As tem- peratures drop, chances are your fur- nace will be working overtime. is results in two things - greater energy consumption and higher heating bills. In fact, costs associated with heating and cooling a home year-round typical- ly comprise two-thirds of the average energy bill. Try these easy DIY projects to help cut down on energy loss and expenses: 1. Replace worn weather-stripping around doors and windows. Worn weather-stripping can create dra s and let heated air out, stressing your fur- nace and compromising your comfort. Replacing it takes little time and is a low-cost, high-impact solution. 2. Top up or replace old insulation in your attic. A poorly insulated attic is a primary source of energy loss. Also, over time, some types of insulation can settle and compact, allowing heat to es- cape through gaps. Experts recommend topping up or replacing attic insulation with a dimensionally stable batt insulation like Roxul Comfortbatt. Aim for an R-value of at least R-50 or a depth of roughly 16 inches. 3. Insulate basement headers and walls. Uninsulated basement headers are common, especially in older homes. ey can act as a gateway for heated air to escape. Fixing the problem is fast and easy. Simply cut Comfortbatt mineral wool insulation to t the cavi- ty and compress into place. Doing this throughout your basement will prevent heat loss and can potentially save hun- dreds of dollars each year. 4. Caulk around windows. Cracks and crevices are a source of heat loss. ey can also be an entry point for water/ moisture, as well as for unwelcome in- sects. Preventative maintenance, such as caulking, can improve energy e - ciency and prevent costly repairs. 5. Change your furnace lter. Make it a point to check your furnace lter monthly, always changing it when it's dirty. is will improve the perfor- mance and e ciency of your furnace, saving you money.

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