Tips to Winterize Your Home

Fall is here and there is a chill in the air.

Make your buyers feel the warmth and save energy by taking a few simple steps to winterize your home.

When the weather cools off, you will start to notice the drafts in your home. Well, those drafts aren't just annoying ­ they could be costing you money by raising your home heating bills. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, drafts can waste 5 to 30 percent of the energy you use.

Here are some ways to reduce energy use this season:

• Seal cracks and other openings. Consider hiring a qualified technician to conduct an energy audit—particularly a blower door test—to detect air leaks. (LIPA may do this for free.) Inspect door and window frames, electrical outlets and water lines, for gaps that could lead to leaks. Then seal with caulk or weather-stripping. Check your local hardware store for a nice selection of energy saving items.
• Add insulation. An energy audit will tell you if you need more. The good news: You may qualify for a tax credit.
• Change furnace filters once a month. Dirty filters restrict airflow and increase your need for energy.
• Run ceiling fans in reverse to make rooms warmer.
• Install storm doors and windows to improve energy efficiency.
• Tune-up your heating system. By making it run more efficiently, you will save money.

Not only will you save money on your heating bills, but potential buyers will feel nice and cozy while viewing your home.

If you have a question about today's real estate market, just email me at gerihackett@century21.com.  I will be glad to answer your question in this column.