Eventually, all homes need fresh caulking to fill gaps and cracks that may appear in walls and where different types of materials are joined. Checking and repairing caulk should be one of those maintenance projects that get done around the house every year or two. It not only saves on heating and air conditioning bills, it prevents moisture and even insects from entering your walls.

Look around the outside of your house for places that need to be filled in. If your heater is on, you may be able to feel drafts where heated air is escaping from cracks. In particular, look for gaps and holes around door and window frames, wall and roof vents, and skylights. Examine around outdoor faucets and where the gas pipes and electrical lines enter the house. Check the joints where siding joins at corners and where it meets the roof and the foundation, or where it meets the fireplace chimney.

Install weatherstripping seals around doors and windows to make your home air-tight. Install gaskets behind electrical outlets and switches.

Insulation

The amount of insulation you need depends on the climate, type of heating (gas, oil, electricity) you use, and the section of the house that you plan to insulate. The attic is the first area to consider because it is accessible and therefore less expensive to insulate. For most climates, you want a minimum of R-30. In climates with extremely cold winters, you may want as much as R-49. See the Department of Energy's Insulation Fact Sheet for more information.

Ductwork

If water lines and the ducts of your heating or air-conditioning system run through unheated or uncooled spaces in your home, such as attic or crawl spaces, then the water lines and the ducts should be insulated. First check the ductwork for air leaks. Depending on how accessible your attic or crawl space is, you may be able to inspect your ductwork yourself. Check for loose connections and joints that have come apart. Look for rips or tears, or for crushed ducts.

Each autumn before cold weather begins it's always a good idea to get a routine maintenance and inspection of your heating system to make sure it is in good working order. At the same time, have the a/c contractor make at least a visual inspection of your duct system. If you've noticed any problems - rooms that don't get warm, even though the rest of the house is fine, for example -- make sure the inspector knows about it, so he/she can look for a problem.