November's over.
Pretty soon the Christmas shopping rush will be in full swing, and that could cause some to push back or scrap plans to winterize their homes.
But experts say taking some simple steps can save big bucks in the long run and make home dwellers more comfortable during the winter months.
Doing some simple caulking and buying a few plastic window kits from your local hardware store is fairly inexpensive and doesn't take much time, said Sue Hanson, manager of Wisconsin Focus on Energy's home performance program.
"Life gets in the way of getting some of those things done. Then, pretty soon two months have gone by and you're already getting high heating bills," she said.
Homeowners can find contractors through the Focus on Energy Program who will evaluate a home's efficiency for about $250 to $300 per visit.
Contractors will depressurize the home and check for air leaks. They will also check to make sure fans are working at capacity and identify moisture problems, Hanson said.
Homeowners can often get assistance through the program to pay for recommended repairs, Hanson said. And she said the older the home, the greater the returns on energy savings could be.
"If you can feel the wind blowing through cracks of your doors or have a pre-1970s home, it's likely you need something done," Hanson said.
Though crude oil prices are going down, it hasn't helped Wisconsin home heating oil customers, said Sheree Dallas Branch, administrator of the state's Division of Energy Services.
Energy assistance offices saw almost a 30 percent increase in applications in September, she said, and the economic crisis could mean more people will apply.
"With the economy, people being laid off and their gross paid not what it was, we believe more people will apply for the first time," Dallas said.
The Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program offers aide for low- to moderate-income families by crediting their account with a utility or fuel supplier. It also offers energy conservation and budget counseling and can repair or replace furnaces in emergencies.
The amount of credit received depends on a family's size, income level and heating costs.
Winter energy savings tips
n Buy a programmable thermostat: Automatically adjusting heat when you're asleep or away can save about $100 per year.n
System maintenance, replacement: For furnaces and boilers, schedule yearly maintenance, replace furnace filters and run your furnace fan on auto. Consult with an ENERGY STAR expert before replacing a system.n
Seal air leaks: Close storm windows and chimney when not in use. Get a plastic window kit for single pane windows and caulk cracks. Hidden air leaks can be the equivalent of an open window. A home performance evaluation can help you discover leaky areas.n Add insulation: It will restrict heat flow, meaning heat will stay inside. First, identify insulation needs by talking to a consultant.n Take advantage of sun's heat: Open south-facing window curtains during the day. n
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Wisconsin Focus on Energy and U.S. Department of Energy Call (800) 762-7077 or visit www.focusonenergy.com to find out how to set up a home performance evaluation.