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Save Some Money on Your Next Bill by Winterizing Your Minnesota Home

By
Real Estate Agent with Coldwell Banker Burnet

Here are some great tips to help you save some money on your next heating bill.

tyghre

 

Inspect Your Insulation
Since warm air rises, the single most effective way to save on heating is to have adequate attic insulation.

Plug the Gaps Outside
The next step in keeping your house cozy is to keep cold air out. Seal up all cracks on the exterior perimeter of the home, areas around windows and outdoor faucets can let in a tremendous amount of cold air, any standard outdoor caulking will do.

Stop the Leaks Inside
Windows can account for as much as 35 to 40 percent of a home's heat loss.  As a rule, weather-stripping should be installed at points where surfaces move or slide together. Caulking is another method of improving performance and as well as installing plastic film, which can be a good short-term solution.

Maximize Your Heating System
For safety reasons, have a professional inspect your heating system every year to ensure that it is operating properly. Having ducts cleaned and filters changed will immediately produce results in the amount of heat produced.
Another way to save money is by using a setback thermostat. This allows you to heat your home when you are there and then let the temperature drop when you are out.

 

Check the Roof
It is important that you go up on your roof (or a professional) and inspect it for loose roof shingles and ridge vents. If you find loose shingles and/or ridge vents, it is important to replace them to prevent any water damage or ice damage.

 


 

Comments (3)

Gail Gladstone
Gladstone Group & Long Island Business Brokerage - Huntington, NY
Brokering Success

Tyghre, thanks for the good advice, although in Long Island NY, I think it will apply to us as well.  I am off to get my ladder and start caulking.

Gail Gladstone, the Long Island Realtor

Nov 16, 2007 08:49 AM
Tyghre Collentine
Coldwell Banker Burnet - Minneapolis, MN
Sounds like fun! Be safe.
Nov 16, 2007 09:39 AM
Leslie Bloss, Bellevue Real Estate Professional
Bellevue, WA

Hi Tyghre,

I love the picture!  I like being in snow for visits--not to live in.  When it snows here in Seattle (which is rare) I stay home and look out the window.  We have so many hills here and it usually is very icy--just not worth the risk of getting your car banged up!

Nov 16, 2007 09:57 AM