TECHNOLOGY
Sustainable Living Plan Now to Get Energy Efficiency Upgrades Done Before Winter While you may not be ready to embrace the frigid temperatures the upcoming season will bring, planning ahead is the best way to get your energy efficiency upgrades done before Jack Frost arrives. Think about last winter. Did you have ice dams? Did a particular area of your home often feel cold? Were your
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doors drafty? The following strategies can help you save energy and keep your home comfortable. • Consider those warm, sunny windows around your home that soon will turn cold. There are many options available today for window coverings to reduce infiltration. • What about the attic? Does it have enough insulation? If you are going to air seal and add insulation, keep in mind other upgrades that can be done at the same time. One example is upgrading any electrical that runs in the attic, such as replacing outdated lighting with LED options. Or if you plan to add ceiling fans in the future, consider adding extra support for them in the attic before installing more insulation. • Do you have an unused chimney? It could be a major source of heat loss. Consider hiring a contractor to bring it down at least below the attic floor.
