Check for

gaps in your home's exterior. Heated air also can escape from gaps

that develop where building materials meet. Inspect areas where building

materials may have pulled apart and caulk or seal any gaps that have formed.

Check places where exterior siding meets windows and doors, around roof

and foundation lines, around chimneys and where pipes protrude through

walls or roofs.

Inspect

your heating system. Consider replacing an older or inefficient heating

unit with a gas or oil furnace or a heat pump with a high efficiency rating.

If your system already is efficient, be sure to inspect and clean it regularly.

Be sure that filters are clean and that you change them monthly.

Dress in layers.

To save in heating costs during the winter, set your thermostat at 68

degrees Fahrenheit and keep a sweater nearby. Consider replacing an existing

thermostat with a timer model that can turn the heat down while you sleep

or when no one is at home. Many models allow you to set the time separately

for weekdays, Saturday and Sunday.

Examine windows

for signs of leaks. Ensure that your storm windows and doors are effectively

keeping warm air in and the cold air out. Make repairing or replacing

older, inefficient fixtures one of your highest priorities this fallit

will make a difference in your comfort and your wallet. Look for any cracks

around glass, sashes and window frames that could be leaking air. Apply

adhesive foam weather strips to the top and bottom window rails or nail

felt weather stripping where window sashes and frames make contact. If

you live in a home built in the last 10 years or so, you likely have double

or triple-paned windows and low-emissivity (Low-E) glass. Both these products

increase your energy efficiency and can lower your energy bills.

Don't forget

to clean gutters and downspouts . Even though gutters and downspouts

don't affect your energy bills directly, check them at least twice a year.

Gutters and downspouts are easy traps for falling leaves and pine needles,

and squirrels often use them as pantries for storing winter food. Be sure

to clean gutters thoroughly, and pay special attention to elbows and bends

in your home's downspouts. Keep hangers fastened securely and plug any

holes and cracks. Using rustproof paint, touch up any sections showing

signs of rust both inside and out.

Performing

routine home maintenance is essential and well worth the time and effort

to keep energy bills low, protect your investment, keep your family safe

and prolong the life of your home.

Most of these

tips were adapted from "The Complete Guide to Four Season Home Maintenance"

helpful home maintenance resources in your local bookstore or visit www.nahb.org

for maintenance tips in the "For Consumers" section.

(Chad Floyd,

who is with Chadwick Homes, is president of the Home Builders Association

of Midwest Georgia, which serves a membership of approximately 550 builders

and associate members in Fayette, Coweta, Spalding, Heard and Meriwether

counties.)

Back

to Real Estate Home Page |