According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 45 percent of the average person’s utility bill goes towards heating and cooling. However, you can cut your energy use for heating and cooling, and reduce environmental emissions, from 20 percent to 50 percent by combining proper equipment maintenance and upgrades with appropriate insulation, air sealing, and thermostat settings. Here are a few ways to winterize your home and save money:

• Get Your Fireplace Inspected: If you have a fireplace or wood stove, make sure the chimney or flue is inspected and cleaned thoroughly (if needed) each year.
• Install Detectors: Be sure to install a smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector near the area. Test each device monthly and replace batteries as often as twice yearly.
• Insulate Water Lines: Insulate lines that run along exterior walls so your water supply will be less likely to freeze. You can also wrap a water heater blanket around your water heater or use a timer to save money.
• Fill the Gaps Outside: Seal all cracks, gaps and holes around the perimeter of your home using caulk that is manufactured to withstand cold temperatures. Pay special attention to the areas around windows and outdoor faucets.
• Inspect Your Insulation: It is important to keep your attic insulated since warm air rises.
• Stop the Leaks Inside: If you have drafty windows, purchase a window insulation kit or use caulk to seal cracks on perimeter walls and around electrical outlets on exterior walls. You can also weatherproof your home by adding weather-stripping, insulation, insulated doors, storm windows or thermal-pane windows.
• Install a Programmable Thermostat: If you have a manual thermostat or no thermostat at all, one way to save energy and money is to install a qualified programmable thermostat. Installing and using pre-programmed temperature settings for different situations (being out of town, away at work, etc.) can save you about $100 each year – all while staying comfortably warm.
• Turn Down Your Thermostat When You Aren’t Home: Before you leave for vacation, turn down your thermostat (or use a programmable one) so that you don’t waste energy by generating unneeded heat
• Keep as Much Heat as Possible Inside Your Home: Open doors and windows as little as possible. Close off unneeded rooms and stuff towels or rags underneath the doors. Leave drapes open during the day to let sunshine in, but close them or place blankets over windows at night. You can also try putting plastic and sealant over your windows.

Sources: Environmental Protection Agency; U.S. Department of Energy