Tricks to Trimming Heating Bills

Sealing drafts in your home could reduce your bills 3% to 18%, according to Danny Parker, a research scientist who works with the Department of Energy. Following are some good suggestions for reducing drafts in your home:

GO FOR DURABLE WEATHER STRIPPING
Cheap self-adhesive foam will probably work loose before spring. Instead, buy bronze strips and cut them to size with metal snips. Fasten them into place with the provided nails, and you’ll never have to replace them.

INSTALL AUTOMATIC DOOR SWEEPS
“Sweeps” (draft-blocking strips that you attach to the bottom of exterior doors) prevent gusts of wind from rushing underneath. But, they tend to scratch wood floors and catch on welcome mats as the door swings open. Try a spring-loaded-automatic sweep, which lifts up as the door opens and presses down to form a tight seal when it’s closed.

INSULATE THE ATTIC HATCH
Pull-down attic stairs are notorious energy losers. Fix with problem with an attic tent, an insulated fabric hut you install over the hatch, staple to the attic floor, and zip open when you climb through.

COVER YOUR AC
Drafts can blow right through in-wall air conditioning units. Order an insulated wrap custom made to fit snugly over the unit ($60, accovers.com) to keep the heat in.