Waukesha County Home

DECEMBER 2021 HOME 3 (StatePoint) — According to the Energy Information Administration, heating bills for homes that use natu- ral gas could be significantly higher this winter — per- haps by as much as 50%. Why? Based on recent weath- er trends, colder tempera- tures are expected, which not only boosts the energy your home needs to stay warm, but quickly raises the demand for those resources as well. Weatherizing your house to ensure it stays com- fortable during the long win- ter season is a great way to help control possible increased costs on your utili- ty bills. Here are five easy ways to keep your home cozy all winter long. 1. Maximize Heating Options: Unpredictable weather can cause outages, so it's best to prepare with alternative ways to heat your home. A log fireplace is won- derful, but for those without one, it may be best to invest in a gas heating alternative, like an individual heater or small generator. 2. Temperature Control: Bringing those utility bills down means keeping the warm air inside. Shifts in temperature can cause wood to expand or contract, creat- ing small cracks or leaks which need to be filled. Duck Brand Foam Weatherstrip Seals form the perfect barri- er from drafts with self-adhe- sive foam strips to ensure utility bills remain low with minimum effort and maxi- mum savings. These heavy- duty strips also provide pro- tection year-round by block- ing dust, pollen and insects. 3. Swap Your Furnace Filter: Trapped dust and dirt in your furnace filter can cause low air flow and limit your furnace's ability to properly function when you need it most. This can unnecessarily raise the tem- perature on your heat and cause energy bills to sky- rocket. A simple filter change on your furnace and even air conditioning units as often as once a month can help maintain excellent air flow. 4. Create a Barrier in the Garage: While many homeowners concentrate on preventing drafts by their front door, they often forget about the largest opening in their house — the garage. Protect against snow, water and cool winter air from entering your garage with a Duck Brand Garage Bottom Seal. This heavy-duty, water- proof rubber seal won't freeze or crack, and creates a tight, protective border all year long. 5. Cover Exterior Access Locations: Built-in pet doors and mail slots often go overlooked. Lower your energy bill by covering those spaces and opt for alterna- tive options when taking out your pets and receiving mail. For more information, visit DuckBrand.com. With some quick tricks and the right products on hand, weatherizing your home doesn't have to be com- plicated or expensive. 5 ways to keep your home cozy all winter long StatePoint Keep your home warm this winter while using less energy — something that can be useful as heating bills are expected to jump.

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