Hot Ways to Keep Your House Warm

The temperature keeps dropping and fuel costs keep rising in , just like everywhere else.

To help offset the high price of keeping a warm house, the Better Business Bureau has provided a checklist to assist in winterizing your home.

"High heating costs are a problem each winter for cash-strapped consumers," said Steve J. Bernas, the president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and Northern Illinois.

"It makes good economic sense for consumers to winterize their homes," Bernas said. "Small up-front investment increases the energy efficiency of a house and reduces overall heating costs in the long run."

Here is the Better Business Bureau's home-winterizing checklist:

• Caulking and weather stripping: To prevent air leaks, homeowners should inspect the caulking around windows and doors and check for cracking and peeling. In addition, ensure that doors and windows shut tightly and no cold air is coming in due to worn down weather stripping.
• Furnace: Furnaces older than 15 years might be due for a replacement. For newer furnaces, make sure the filter is clean and the thermostat is working properly.
• Heating ducts: Ducts should be cleaned once every two years. Homeowners should also consider adding insulation to any exposed ductwork in order to prevent losing heated air.
• Emergency kit: When a winter storm strikes, an emergency kit should have all essential materials in one handy place. An emergency kit should include flashlights, candles and matches, a first aid kit, bottled water, non-perishable food and a battery-powered radio. Create the same emergency kit for the car as well, including a couple blankets.
• Smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detectors: Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors and installing fresh batteries. Homeowners should consider replacing smoke alarms older than 10 years.
• Gutters and ridge vents: Gutters should have been cleaned to prevent any clogs that would cause rainwater to back up and freeze, making the gutters expand and crack. The ridge vents need to be cleaned as well in order to help prevent stagnate air.
• Windows: Window screens should be taken down and replaced with storm windows; they provide an extra layer of protection and keep the house warmer.  Investing in a window insulator kit is an inexpensive option to keep out drafts as well.