In most parts of the country, temperatures are dropping and the leaves are falling. If you’re like me, this leads to the inevitable discussion of energy efficiency. Are we ready for winter? Have we sealed all the drafts and checked all the windows?

This is particularly important in an older home, where the windows may not seal well and settling may have created gaps. This advice works for any age home, however, as even newer homes may have openings where air can infiltrate.

If you’re concerned about energy efficiency – and the resulting affect on your heating bills – it pays to take action before the real cold comes in. Spend an afternoon walking around the inside and outside of your house and examining all the windows and doors. Do you need new caulk? Is the trim in disrepair?

Look for any cracks where air could come in. If it’s a windy day, light a candle and see if air comes through to blow it out! Even little fixes will add up, creating a more tightly sealed environment that reduces chills and helps lower bills.

(Considering replacing your windows? Stay tuned. We’ll tackle that one in a different post!)

Check Out Insulation

After assessing windows and doors, look at your insulation. (Hopefully you’ll find some — somewhere!) Attic insulation in particular can have a huge effect on your home’s energy efficiency. Adding fiberglass insulation to an attic or basement ceiling is one project that most homeowners can do – with a little protection for your skin and plenty of patience!

For more ideas on energy efficiency, check out the Energy Star program.

http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=home_improvement.hm_improvement_audits

So, are you ready for winter? More importantly, is your house ready for winter? If the answer is no, don’t worry. There’s still time to tackle some of these energy efficiency projects before the first frost.