Before long we’ll be complaining about the cooler weather and the high cost of energy bills.
But you can change the script this year by winterizing your home. It need not be a massive undertaking. Small steps can often add up to significant savings and prevent problems in the future.
In Midland, Mich., for example, the Dow Chemical Co. teamed up with local contractors on the Revitalize Home. The 1960s ranch-style house got air-sealing and insulation upgrades last winter, and is expected to show a 30 percent energy savings this winter. And that’s without major improvements such as window replacements or HVAC upgrades.
Keep the cold air out, and winter won’t seem so bitter.
“The average home has half a mile in gaps and cracks,” says Kaethe Schuster, remodeling market manager for Dow Building Solutions. “That’s equivalent to a 4-by-4 window left open. So I don’t think people are aware of the impact (of drafts). Twenty-five to 40 percent of energy loss is because of those gaps.”
There are a variety of effective measures to winterize a home, some extensive and best left to the pros, but many others of the do-it-yourself variety. Run down the list and save yourself money — and keep warm and cozy in the bargain.
Read More at: http://www.chicagotribune.com/classified/realestate/home/sc-cons-1011-winterize-home-20121011,0,3829662.story
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Green Real Estate Appraiser 