While we still have a few weeks before cold weather sets in, recent fall-like temperatures are inspiring some people to think about getting their homes ready for winter. We hope the following tips will help keep you warm at home, safely, this winter AND save you some hard-earned energy dollars.

Cold Weather Suggestions from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC): 

*Have your chimney or flu inspected annually if you plan to use a fireplace or wood stove for heating. Ask your local fire department to recommend an inspector or find one in the yellow pages of your telephone directory under “chimney cleaning.” 

* If you do plan to use a fireplace, wood stove, or kerosene heater, install a smoke detector and a battery-operated carbon monoxide detector near the area to be heated. Test them monthly, and replace batteries twice yearly. 

* Insulate any water lines that run along exterior walls so your water supply will be less likely to freeze. To the extent possible, weatherproof your home by adding weather-stripping, insulation, insulated doors and storm windows or thermal-pane windows. 

* Your ability to feel a change in temperature decreases with age and older people are more susceptible to health problems caused by cold. If you are over 65 years old, place an easy-to-read thermometer in an indoor location where you will see it frequently, and check the temperature of your home often during the winter months. 

* If you have pets, bring them indoors. If you cannot bring them inside, provide adequate shelter to keep them warm and make sure that they have access to unfrozen water. For more cold weather tips, go to: http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/guide.asp#home 

Should you plan to hire a contractor to winterize your home, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) has some good advice: 

*First, consider hiring a company with which you are familiar. Out of town contractors are often not available should there be a future problem with their work. If you aren’t sure of the reputation of a company, contact your local BBB.

* Get more than one estimate and compare costs. Never let a contractor pressure you into making a quick decision. If they try to do so, it’s a good idea to keep looking. Once you choose a company, make sure there is a signed contract outlining all verbal promises, cost, start and completion date, and address and phone number of the contractor.

*If you need to finance the work, generally it’s a better idea to obtain your own financing rather than agreeing to finance through your contractor or someone he may recommend. Some consumers have found they agreed to more than what they bargained for, such as home equity loans with high rates, points and fees. 

*Never agree to pay for an entire job up-front. Arrange for payments to be made as parts of the job are completed. Final payment should not be due until the job is done. And, when it is time to pay, do so with a check or credit card – never cash. 

Weatherization Assistance:

If you are unable to afford to weatherization of your home, there may be some help available. The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Weatherization Assistance Program has provided weatherization services to more than 5.6 million low-income families. 

*The DOE says, “By reducing the energy bills of low-income families instead of offering aid, weatherization reduces dependency and liberates these funds for spending on more pressing family issues. On average, weatherization reduces heating bills by 32% and overall energy bills by $358 per year at current prices. This spending, in turn, spurs low-income communities toward job growth and economic development.” Click on this link for more information on the Weatherization Assistance Program. http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/weatherization/