With winter now boring down upon the region with its blanket of cold air under bleak, blustery skis, homeowners who have not already done so, should do everything possible to ensure a warm home that helps conserve money while adding to family comfort.

Statistics prove that for most homeowners, 40 to 70 percent of home heating energy is wasted. It is estimated that almost half of that waste can be saved by purchasing newer, more energy efficient appliances. However, financially that may unrealistic in today’s economy.

For those who can afford some new appliances, the 10 least efficient appliances in most homes are water heaters, refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, ranges, clothes washers and dryers, dishwashers, portable heaters and lighting.

For those that cannot afford to retrofit the home with new appliances, there are a number of inexpensive measures that can be taken to save money. Here are some of the most practical and inexpensive things that can be done to the home:

  • Those that cannot remove window air conditioners may still save money by covering the units both inside and outside the home. The covering protects the units from the damaging and raw air while keeping cold air from leaking into the home.
  • Al homes have leaks – the small areas created by gaps around windows and doors, places where wires and pipes enter the home can all allow warm heated air out of the home and cold air in, adding to heating costs. Homeowners should search for these areas and seal them with caulk to save money.
  • One area most homeowners do not think about are the electrical switches and outlets. These areas frequently allow drafts into the home from cold exterior walls. There are foam backing plates available for very little at most hardware stories. Installing these backing plates can save a lot of money.
  • Another inexpensive way to save money is to install heat reflectors behind radiators and heaters. These reflective sheets force more warm air into a room and away from walls.
  • Most older homes have older thermostats which are inherently inefficient. While it may not be financially feasible to upgrade the entire heating system, there are programmable thermostats that are reasonable and can save money with better control over even older and inefficient heating systems.
  • Just heat reflectors help redirect heat into rooms, window reflectors that fit on the inside of windows and glass doors help reflect heat back inside the house.
  • For homes without storm windows, an inexpensive alternative is to install storm window kits – basically plastic film which helps to create an air barrier and blocks cold air.
  • In addition to caulking, weather-stripping all windows and doors is one of the most effective money savers homeowners can do during the cold winter months to save money.