[September 20, 2011] Winterizing can save energy dollars Tweet COLUMBUS, Sep 20, 2011 (Columbus Telegram - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- As the days grow shorter and the weather cools, many area residents have begun to think about weatherizing their homes against the even colder weather ahead. "It's never too late to think about weatherizing your home," said Loup Power District's New Business Supervisor Rick Cheloha. "Loup Power District offers a free energy audit to its residential and commercial customers to help them find ways to improve the energy efficiency of their homes and buildings." ENERGY STAR, a nationwide energy efficiency program sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) offers helpful tips to improve energy efficiency on its Web site at www.energystar.gov. One of the most economical ways area residents can improve energy efficiency in residential and commercial properties is by properly sealing and insulating the structure. According to ENERGY STAR, homeowners can potentially save up to 20 percent on heating and cooling costs, or as much as 10 percent on their total annual energy bill, by improving the sealing and insulation of their home. Easy-to-find air leaks and drafts are those that can be felt around doors and windows. Air leaks in attics, basements and crawl spaces may require more effort to discover. Sealing as many of these leaks as possible with caulk, spray foam or weather stripping can have a significant impact on improving comfort and reducing utility bills. The agency encourages property owners to always have a heating and cooling technician check to make sure any gas or oil fueled appliances are venting properly after any home sealing project Cheloha said Loup's free energy audit is done with the residential or commercial customer during a walk-through of the home or business. "We do a walk through energy audit with the customer and offer our verbal recommendations and discuss what we're seeing with the customer," Cheloha said. All the experts agree adequate insulation helps keep the home warm in winter and cold in summer. Common types of insulation include batt or blown fiberglass, cellulose, rigid foam board and spray foam. When correctly installed along with air sealing, each type of insulation can deliver lower energy bills during the hottest and coldest times of the year. Adding insulation to the attic is often the most effective way to increase energy savings. A quick way to learn if more insulation is needed is to look across the uncovered attic floor. If the insulation is level with or below the attic floor joists, more insulation may be needed. Cornhusker Public Power (CPPD) also offers help to residential customers looking to make their home more energy efficient. Energy Saver Tips can be found at the utility's Web site at www.cornhusker-power.com. "CPPD also offers an online energy audit for its customers which shows customers the best ways to manage their home energy use," said Karen Schlautman, information and marketing director. "The online audit is designed for every level of user." Schlautman said another resource the utility refers it's customers to is the online resource at togetherwesave.com. CPPD also provides a free booklet entitled "101 Low-cost, No-cost Home Energy Savings Measures." For more information on saving energy and proper weatherization techniques visit Loup Power District online at www.loup.com; Cornhusker Public Power District at cornhusker-power.com or the Nebraska Public Power District website at nppd.com. ___ (c)2011 the Columbus Telegram (Columbus, Neb.) Visit the Columbus Telegram (Columbus, Neb.) at www.columbustelegram.com Distributed by MCT Information Services [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]