If you own a home, you know how important it is to prepare it for winter. We all want to save on our energy bills, but why not consider doing a few extra things this winter that will not only help you save dollars on those bills, but will improve the environment around you? Although winterizing a home is an investment of time, winterizing your home can help the environment both inside and outside your home and will save you money on your energy bills. It is easy to go a little green by following a few simple tips.

In The Kitchen: Check your refrigerator seal. If the door does not close properly or seal completely, a lot of energy can be lost. The cool air is seeping into a room you are trying to keep warm. Slide a piece of paper between the door and the seal and check if you can remove it easily when the door is closed. If so, have the seal replaced.

As an extra hint, a refrigerator that is full uses less energy to keep food cold. Save money by unplugging and putting away unused appliances. You can save on the water bill and use less water by checking faucets and pipes for leaks and repairing those.

In the Living Areas: Check all safety equipment such as fire alarms and extinguishers. It is a very good idea to have carbon monoxide detectors as well. Check all the batteries and install them strategically through the house. Check all indoor vents and filters, such as the one for your furnace. Clean the vents over your stove, and don't forget the dryer vents as well. Having these clean and working properly will save on energy costs and improve the air quality inside your home. Help your furnace work less by leaving a small rotating fan on low to help spread the heat. This costs less than your furnace running constantly.

Outside the Home: Check wood siding for holes or cracks and have those sealed with caulk. Check the outsides of your windows and doors as well and caulk those as needed. This is the time of year to install any storm doors or windows, and to turn off any outside water sources. Taking care of the outside now will prevent any problems later on down the road. Check all outdoor lighting, replacing used bulbs with energy efficient bulbs.

In the Basement: If your water heater is in a cold, damp basement consider wrapping it in a blanket so it will hold its heat more efficiently. Check for any water leaks or cracks in the walls. Seal any outside doors or windows in your basement as well.

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