How To Save on Winterizing Your Home

Here are a few helpful suggestions thanks to Real Simple's November 2010 issue on how to save on winterizing your home:

- Hunt of air leaks. You can get a hone energy audit, but it's pricey (around $350). Instead, try the Black & Decker Thermal Leak Detector ($50, amazon.com), which identifies drafty areas in a home. Once you seal the problem spots, You could save up to 20% on energy costs!

-Don't Overinsulate. To find out how much energy you need, go to energystar.gov

- Change your filter only when it's dirty. Install a whistle on your furnace ($1.70, amconservationgroup.com) that alerts you when your filter is partially clogged and will soon need to be replaced.

- Opt for a weatherproofing kit. If you buy plastic shrink wrap, weather stripping, and electrical-outlet sealers individually, you'll pay about 30% more than if you buy them in a set. Use all components and you'll reduce your energy costs by up to 20%.

(article in Real Simple by Amy Chen)