Energy Conservation Experts Urge Homeowners to Winterize Their Houses

Nov. 4, 2011 - PRLog -- SEYMOUR, CT – With last week's snowy reminder that winter is right around the corner here in the northeast, the national energy-saving professionals with Dr. Energy Saver are strongly recommending that homeowners prepare their houses for the winter. There are many steps to take in winterizing ones house including attic insulation, new windows, a new heating system and more. And remember, not only will keeping your home energy efficient make it more comfortable, but it will also save you money on your energy bills and help the environment.

Insulation is one of the best ways to keep a house comfortable in winter months. After a snowstorm it's easy to see the amount or quality of insulation in a house. In some areas of the roof snow will be piled up, while in other areas snow melts quickly. It's important to air seal and thermally isolate the roof from the rest of the home and keep it cold. In the winter, snow that accumulates on a roof can melt from heat escaping through the roof. This can result in icicles and ice dams forming, which can ruin gutters and leak into the house.

The U.S. Department of Energy recommends that houses in the northeast have insulation with an R-Value of 49 to 60 in the attic, and 25 to 30 in the floors. Based on this information, the majority of homes do not have nearly enough insulation in them. Energy conservation contractors can install the proper amount of insulation in a home keeping heat inside and lowering heating bills.

The U.S. Department of Environmental protection writes that heating accounts for 34% of all annual utility usage. Checking the ducts is another recommended method for controlling energy usage in a house. Around 30% of heat can be lost through leaky ducts.

"To ensure that as much warm air as possible is delivered through your central system, check the ductwork and wrap any leaks," writes the U.S. DEP.

For more long-term fixes, installing new windows can also improve energy efficiency and keep a home warmer in the winter. New windows are made with vinyl and aluminum so they are maintenance-free. Many also have low-e coatings, which help insulated windows retain heat in the winter. New exterior doors are another step to take to improve a home's efficiency.

Keeping HVAC systems properly maintained could help with heating a house. Experts recommend regular service to an HVAC unit to prevent serious problems and keep the system running properly. It is also encouraged to replace any HVAC systems that are older than 12 to 15 years.

Dr. Energy Saver is the largest national network of energy conservation contractors in the world. The network is headquartered in Seymour, CT, and includes a training center for learning how to perform energy audits and energy saving work in homes. All Dr. Energy Saver franchisees are formally trained in insulation, air sealing, HVAC units, windows, doors, and much more. For more information or a free energy audit, visit www.drenergysaver.com.