Add some insulation for lower utility bills

No matter where you live, your home will be more comfortable and cost less to heat and cool with the right insulation. That could mean more money in your pocket all year round.

Unless your home was designed with energy efficiency in mind, adding insulation can be a good way to save money. Most older homes were built without much insulation, which can mean high energy bills. Even if your home is new, more insulation can pay for itself in a few years and increase your home’s resale value.

The amount of insulation you need depends on the climate, the part of the house, and the type of heating and cooling systems (gas, oil, or electric) you have. Your attic is the best place to start. You can cut your heating costs this winter and have lower utility bills. Seal those doors and windows and add some insulation in your attic!

For more information about insulation, visit the Energy Savers website at www.energysavers.gov, or call 1-877-EERE-INF (1-877-337-3463).

Act Now - You Can Have Lower Utility Bills

Experts are forecasting that this winter consumers across the country will feel the bite from higher heating costs. Some government statisticians are guessing that the average household will spend around 15% more than they spent last winter to heat their home this winter.

Heating oil customers stand to bear the biggest price increase - in the vicinity of 30%. Natural gas users can expect to pay up 20% more to heat their homes this winter.

These energy experts - from the U.S. Dept of Energy - are estimating the average U.S. family will most likely have to spend $1,125 to heat their home this winter, an increase of about 16% over last winter.

Here is the rundown. The government forecast (as of September, 2008) for average winter heating expenditures and the percent change over last winter, for households heating with:

Natural gas – $1,017 per household, 19% increase
Heating oil – $2,524 per household, 30% increase
Propane – $1,890 per household, 13% increase
Electricity – $944 per household, 10% increase

All really welcome news for the many good people already facing budget constraints.

There is hope. You can make a few, simple steps to lessen the impact of these ever increasing heating costs. You can have lower utility bills - at least lower than your friends and neighbors who choose to do nothing. A few inexpensive home improvements will pay for themselves - some in the very first year!

Add some blow-in-insulation or other type insulation in your attic. Home improvement experts agree - that insulation pays for itself. How about a programmable thermostat? This one change can pay off this winter!

There are some simple, cost-effective measures you can take now to help you weatherize your home and realize lower utility bills this winter