Preparing for a winter predicted to be harsher, colder than past years

Many experts agree that now is the perfect time for homeowners across the state to begin protecting their houses from the upcoming cold winter season.

With Dec. 21 being the first day of winter, homeowners should soon start preparing their homes for another long season of cold winds, snow, sleet, hail, and dropping temperatures, in order to offset astronomical heating bills, according to the Energy Information Administration, a government statistics agency based in Washington, D.C. The EIA forecasts that the average United States household will spend $1,152 on heating costs this winter, an increase of about 17 percent from last winter.

To save money this winter, homeowners, who are already feeling the impact of a slowing economy and high oil prices, can invest a small amount of time and a trip to the local hardware store to properly prepare their houses for winter. The American Institute of Architects has several suggestions for homeowners to make heating their home more energy efficient and cost-effective, including some do-it-yourself jobs.

The AIA recommends the following tips:

* Homeowners should use weather-stripping on every door and window in the house to keep warm air in and cold air out. This is one of the simplest, yet most beneficial measures to increase a home's energy efficiency.

* Mitigate heat loss through mail slots, mechanical chases, chimney flues and other fixtures throughout the house that inadvertently allow air leakage. Homeowners should also weather-strip the outlets on exterior walls with weather-stripping foam gaskets that can easily be placed under the coverplates of exterior outlets.

* Protecting windows is another effective measure to reduce household energy consumption. Outfit windows in the house with insulating shades on the inside to keep heat in and slow the loss of energy.

* Another do-it-yourself solution is to recycle the heated exhaust from a clothes-dryer through an appropriate filter into the house. A bypass filter -- basically an eight-inch cube -- can be purchased from most hardware stores. The filters have installation instructions on the package and a screwdriver is the only tool needed for installation. The filter will help prevent ice build-up and rot on the outside of the house where the exhaust is vented. However, it will also raise the moisture level in the laundry room, so the door should be left open.

Homeowners who are interested in more elaborate renovations to improve energy efficiency should collaborate with an architect who can help develop solutions that suit specific energy and budget needs. An architect can also help a homeowner who is interested in a complete home renovation to establish a preliminary budget for the project.

Architects can also prepare customized cost opinions and estimates for particular projects, provided they have simple information such as the basic size and location of the home. People who are looking into building a new home may consult with an architect to help plan a building and financing process that will best maximize the new home's energy efficiency.

Architects can help homeowners work on a budget and are typically familiar with project costs, the length of time it will take to complete the project, and how it can be accomplished.