You probably need

better insulation if your home is older and you

haven't added insulation - only 20 percent

of homes built before 1980 were well insulated

- or you've built an addition, installed new

siding or roofing.

Insulation is

measured in R values - the higher the R

value, the better your walls and roofs will

resist transfer of heat. Insulation products come

in four types: batts, rolls, loose-fill and rigid

foam boards. Be sure to get the right type for

the specific space to be insulated. Compare R

values and costs.

The U.S. Department

of Energy booklet "Energy Savers" has a

chart recommending certain R values in addition

to many other useful tips. For a free copy of the

booklet, phone (800)363-3732.

Try to prevent warm

air from leaking into your home during the summer

and out of your home in winter. Reducing these

air leaks can save you 10 percent or more on your

energy bills. It's quick and easy to caulk, seal

and weather-strip seams, cracks and openings to

the outside.

Heating and Cooling

Tips

Remember to:

Set your thermostat

as low as is comfortable in winter and as high as

possible in summer.

Clean or replace

furnace or A/C filters once a month.

Clean warm-air

registers, baseboard heaters and radiators -

make sure they're not blocked by furniture,

carpeting or drapes.

Turn off kitchen,

bath or other ventilating fans as soon as they

have done the job. One fan can pull out a

houseful of air in one hour.

Select

energy-efficient equipment when you buy a new

furnace or air conditioner.

For information on

any aspect of home ownership, go to https://www.ahahome.com , the web site for American

Homeowners Association.