By By SCOTT NOVAK / Niles Daily Star
NILES - The time is now to winterize your home for winter.
With natural gas prices expected to soar this winter due to the damage sustained to production facilities in the south, there are several things you can do to save on both gas and electricity.
According to Tom Carlson of Hannapel Home Center, windows are the biggest concern when it comes to losing heat from your home.
The best way to compensate for that is to replace the windows.
If your budget won't let you do that this winter, then caulking around the windows, using a spray foam insulation or using storm panels are an alternative.
Carlson added that caulking around your old windows or using a spray foam insulation in and around your windows are a cheaper alternative, although not as effective.
Windows are not the only concern when winterizing your home.
Doors also can let out quite a bit of heat.
Replacing worn weather-stripping around doors is a good start. Another way to go is a storm door if you home does not have one.
Your front and back doors are not the only doors that can leak heat.
If you have patio doors they too are a concern. Replacing them would be best if they are old, but making sure you replace the worn weather-stripping is a must.
Also, don't forget to winterize your basement windows either.
Some of the areas you might not think about when it comes to winterizing homes are pipes and ducts. Make sure you caulk or weather-strip around entry points for all pipes and ducts.
Heating prices are going through the roof and so is your heat if you do not have proper insulation.
Proper insulation in the attic not only helps in the winter, but will also keep your house cooler in the summer.
Some homes may also benefit for additional wall insulation which can be blown in.
Having a proper running furnace is also a must.
Have your heating system checked now before the cold weather sets in permanently.
If you have a fireplace now is the time to get it cleaned and ready for those cold winter nights.
Your chimney should be inspected and cleaned prior to using it for the first time.
To help keep heat from escaping your home, close the damper when not in use.
You may also want to winterize your plumbing prior to the onset of freezing temperatures.
If you have had frozen pipes in the past you may want to wrap them with heating tape.
You should make sure you know how to turn the water off at the source to stop leaks immediately if they start.