Intro:
Before you begin
Step 1:
Find leaks
Step 2:
Fine-tune your furnace and air-conditioning system
Step 3:
Take care of the simple stuff
Step 4:
Insulate the attic
Step 5:
Consider professional weatherization

The phone number of your energy supplier, in order to receive an inexpensive assessment of your weatherization needs. The number should be printed on your monthly statement.

The raw materials for do-it-yourself weatherizing are available at any good hardware store. Your weapons should include the following:

• a caulking gun
• weather-stripping
• a tape measure
• a fresh filter for your furnace and/or air conditioner

Optional:

The name and number of several reputable contractors specializing in weatherization. Companies are usually listed in the yellow pages under "Insulation contractors."

A hardware store should also furnish materials for a simple, do-it-yourself insulation job. The basic materials include:

• insulation material that can be easily installed in attics or crawl spaces
• latex-based sealing compound, for leaky heating ducts
• gloves, for handling fiberglass insulation
• a staple gun (which you can rent)

Anywhere from an afternoon (for strategic caulking and weather-stripping) to several weeks (for window replacement or other serious insulation jobs). You will have a better idea after the assessment process (Step 1).

2torial #0562: Learn2 Weatherize Your Home Climatize your home, not the neighborhood Did you know it's possible to save money, help the environment and increase your comfort level--all at the same time? By properly weatherizing your home, you'll create a more temperate living space by cutting down on drafts even as you slash energy use anywhere between 10 and 50 percent. That means significantly lower utility bills and reduced impact on the environment. Of course, weatherization requires time and often a little money. But you don't necessarily have to mount storm windows or wrap your entire home in plastic. In fact, you can make a great deal of headway with a caulking gun and a few yards of weather stripping. We'll show you how to assess the current state of your home and take steps to improve its climate--and your comfort. The average American family spends about $1,300 a year in utility bills, of which about 45 percent (or nearly $600) goes to heating and air-conditioning the home. If you live in a particularly extreme climate, or your house is large or poorly insulated, your energy bill could be in the thousands of dollars. Most American homes waste at least 10 percent of their heating and cooling energy for easily preventable reasons, and many squander up to 50 percent and more. One study has indicated that Americans lose more energy through leaky doors and windows than what comes through the Alaska pipeline every year. Clearly, it's worth paying attention to those pesky drafts. Step 1