(ARA) - Saving money never goes out of style, especially when it comes to home utility bills. With a scorching summer drawing to a close and last winter's deep freeze looming in their minds, many Americans are already looking for ways to curtail energy costs this winter.
In fact, more than 20 percent of Americans are concerned about heating and energy costs and half believe it's already difficult to afford their utility bills, according to a survey by the Pew Research Center. They may have reason to worry; heating oil costs are expected to rise nearly 30 percent this year, the Energy Information Administration of the U.S. Department of Energy predicts.
Heat transfer - warm air from inside your home escaping to the outdoors - is the main culprit that drives up winter energy bills. Fortunately, a few simple home improvements - and even some decor changes - can help reduce your home's heating costs this winter. First, identify the biggest energy leeches in your home. Are the doors drafty? Do the windows rattle in a slight breeze? Is the insulation in your home's attic less than adequate?
Next, consider these minor home improvement projects to help reduce heat transfer and trim energy bills:
* Windows and doors are prime points for heat to escape from your home. Before the weather turns cold, seal around doors, windows, electrical outlets and plumbing fixtures. Caulk, spray foam, weatherstripping and a free weekend are all you need to accomplish this job, which can help you realize significant energy savings and create a more comfortable environment inside your home this winter.
* Maximize your furnace's energy efficiency by having the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system, including the ductwork, professionally cleaned. Be sure to change air filters regularly.
* Install programmable thermostats if you don't already have them. If your home is already equipped with programmable thermostats, be sure to program the temperature to be lower during periods when you'll be out of the house or need less heat. For example, reduce the temperature during the day when everyone is out of the house at work or school, or overnight when everyone is tucked in bed under blankets and comforters.
* Place door sweeps on exterior doors and on basement doors if you have an unfinished basement. These narrow strips of vinyl that attach to the base of a door can help reduce heat escape.
Some home decor changes can also help reduce energy bills. Hardwood floors will feel warmer on bare feet when covered by accent rugs in the winter. And cozy throws draped over sofas and chairs make a design statement while helping your home's occupants stay snug and warm.
Installing the right kind of window shade is another tactic that can reap significant savings, especially if you opt for cellular shades. More energy efficient than regular shades, cellular shades help to insulate windows by forming a barrier that eliminates air flow. Levolor's Accordia Cellular shades can save as much as $180 a year on annual energy bills, based on U.S. Department of Energy and Energy Star standards. With an exclusive technology, Energy Shield, a clear, additional layer of insulation hidden inside of the cellular structure, Accordia is the most energy efficient cellular shade available and is the only one to increase energy efficiency on sheer and light filtering fabrics.
Levolor estimates that a 2,000-square-foot home with 300 feet of double pane windows could realize significant heating and cooling cost reductions by installing Accordia shades. And you won't have to sacrifice style to save money on energy costs; the shades are available in a wide range of colors and more than 200 fabrics, including exclusive textures like linen. Log on to www.levolor.com to learn more about cellular shades.
Rearranging your furniture can also help insulate your home. Place large items that no one sits on - such as bookcases or entertainment centers -- against outside walls. Their extra bulk provides additional insulation against drafts and the cooler temperature of outside walls. Reserve inside walls for seating; they are slightly warmer and less likely to be drafty than outside walls.
With a few simple improvements and decor changes, you can lower your home's energy costs this winter without sacrificing warmth or style.
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