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BPT — How much do you spend on util- ities? Are you looking for ways to save? A typical American household spends about $2,100 on energy bills each year, according to the U.S. Environmental Pro- tection Agency. Most of that expense comes from a home's energy use during the winter heating season. But a quick home checkup can help you can reduce these costs, prepare for winter and enjoy energy savings. Properly installed and maintained win- dows and doors can help keep your home more comfortable year-round. Save on heating costs by preparing your windows and doors for winter with these tips: ■ Clear sills and moving parts of dirt and debris. Debris like sand, dirt or leaves can get caught in windowsills and moving parts of windows or doors. Clean these areas with a dry paintbrush to cre- ate a tighter seal and enhance window and door performance. ■ Check weather stripping. Reattach or replace missing or worn weather strip- ping around windows and doors. Loose weather stripping can let cold air in dur- ing the winter and out in the summer, reducing energy efficiency. ■ Reapply caulk or sealant around win- dows and doors. Reseal areas around win- dows and doors that may have been exposed to heavy weather or extreme sun- light — creating breaks in caulk or sealant — to help reduce potential drafts and leaks. ■ Install snap-in blinds or shades to help insulate your home from cold out- door temperatures. Pella Designer Series windows and patio doors feature conven- ient between-the-glass options to add energy efficiency and privacy. ■ Repair or replace damaged exterior surfaces. Cracked or deteriorated wood associated with water penetration may allow moisture or cold air to leak into your home. Look closely for signs of moisture leakage and replace damaged wood. Consult a professional to help cor- rect any roof or drainage problems around your home. ■ Install storm doors. Storm doors add an extra layer of protection and help reduce air and moisture leakage. Adding a Pella storm door to your exterior doors can reduce energy loss through the entry- way by up to 45 percent. ■ Replace old windows and doors with energy-efficient ones. If you have single- pane glass, clear glass, or older windows or doors, you may be paying more to heat your home in the winter and cool it in the summer. Replace old windows with ener- gy-efficient, double or triple-pane glass versions made with insulating argon, or install new durable fiberglass doors to help save money and energy year-round. Visit Pella Windows and Doors on Pin- terest for design inspiration and Pella.com/news to connect with a Pella representative for tips on caring for your windows and doors, or choosing new replacements. HOMES PLUS OCTOBER 2014 8 BGS GLASS SERVICE 1620 Arcadian Ave. • Waukesha, WI 53186 (262) 513-2806 For All Your Glass Needs Quality Service since 1970 www.bgsglass.com RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL • New, Remodel, Repair 240404001 Replacement Windows/Doors • Insulated Units • Patio Doors Screens Window/Patio • Mirrors • Shower Doors • Glass Shelving • Tabletops Storm Windows/Doors • Commercial Store Fronts We deliver small loads of TOP SOIL 1 ⁄2 yards - 3 yards • Lawn Mowing / Maintenance • Seeding • Sodding • Pruning • Aeration & Dethatching • Residential & Commercial 262-542-6120 whlandscaping@gmail.com 240405002 Call Today! It's time for FALL CLEAN-UP Now Accepting Contracts for COMMERCIAL SNOWPLOWING Tips on how to prepare your windows and doors for the winter season and save energy Annual fall checkup can help lower costs Submitted photo