After the long months of financial struggle, what better way to enjoy the holidays and start the year right than by saving more money?Being one of the major investments you have, starting with your home is the best thing to consider.
New York winters can be nasty and leaving houses unprepared would be like throwing away money in the drain and you surely wouldn't want that.
Inefficient homes with all areas which allow outdoor air to seep in and heated air to leak out can cost you more hard-earned dollars than you think.
To keep your homes as comfortable as possible and cutback on winter heating cost, here are practical tips whether you are in Long Island, Staten Island, Brooklyn, Manhattan, or Queens.
When it comes to heating cost, saving means focusing on two essential factors and these are: Insulating One of the best ways to cutback on winter heating cost is through ensuring the entire home is properly and sufficiently insulated.
Insulation keeps winters warmer as well as summers a whole lot cooler.
This task should especially be a priority if your home is older.
As a standard, when your insulation is less than 12 inches in the attic then you need to add more.
An insulation of R49 is recommended by DOE for this area.
Keep in mind that there are different R value recommendations for different places such as the walls, basements and crawlspaces so better check out the Department of Energy for details.
There are various types of insulation including cellulose, spray foam, rigid foam board and fiberglass which may be in batt or blown forms.
When properly installed, each can make your icy months most comfortable and help you cutback on winter heating cost.
Plugging Air Leaks To maximize savings on winter heating costs as well as indoor comfort, it is crucial that your house does not have any leaks.
Air leaks are silent predators that prey on the quality of living you afford your family as well as your pocketbook.
When these are present, your HVAC system is unnecessarily overworked thus adding up to operational and fuel expenses.
To avoid paying for energy that was wasted and enjoy money saved; here are ideas to implements as well as common areas to check for air leaks:

• Make sure that weatherstipping and caulking especially around doors and windows are still intact, if not reapply.
  
• Secure connecting joists and joints.
  
• When air leak gaps are spotted, insulation tapes can be used.
  
• Install sheeting to doors leading to places that are not frequented throughout winter.
  
• Apply foam or caulk along soft fits of ceiling fixtures, attic hatches, cabinet fixtures and other areas where ducts, plumbing and electrical wires go through walls.
  
• Install vent blocks if foundation vents are located under the house.
  
• Weatherproof foundation.
  
• Seal cracks along walls, basements and foundations.
  
• If your house is heated and cooled through forced-air systems, seal the ducts that distribute air throughout your home.