Regardless of season, an energy conscious homeowner is always thinking about the future, which inevitably includes weatherizing the home for winter's cold or summer's long hot days. There is much to be gained from weatherizing your house including, but not limited to, significant annual savings on energy costs (to the tune of as much as $400 per year).

Unless you have a spare genie lying around, weatherizing the home is not simply matter of snapping fingers or blinking eyes. There are some important steps that should be taken to ensure the home is truly weatherized.

1. Home Energy Performance Test. To really do a thorough job, all the weak spots for energy efficiency must first be located. A home energy performance test, or home energy audit, is an excellent first step. These can be professionally done or you can attempt it yourself, although professionals have the ability to perform more complex but very beneficial probes such as blower door tests.
2. Seal All Openings. Windows and doors are notorious weak spots. You may even feel the air passing through them in the form of cold drafts. Installing weatherstripping on all doors and windows for which it is lacking is the first move. Then head outside and caulk around any and all openings, including windows, doors, water spigots, vents, pipes, and anywhere air can seep into or out of the house. For windows, caulk between the window and trim and between the trim and siding. If building new or adding on, be sure to have house wrap installed beneath the siding (over the subsiding) to really give the house a tight seal.
3. Electrical sockets also fall prey to the craftiness of cold air. To remedy this problem, remove the cover around the sockets and insert foam gaskets. Then reattach the switch plate and use childproof safety caps to officially seal off the receptacle. As always, show caution around power outlets.
4. Seal the fireplace. Despite the aesthetically-pleasing, natural warmth of the fireplace, it is also a highway for escaping and precious warm air. First off have the fireplace cleaned and maintain that cleanliness. When not using the fireplace keep tight-fitting glass doors closed and the damper shut tight. If you never use the fireplace, then stuff insulation into the chimney and seal the glass doors with silicone caulk.
5. The attic can be a major problem for energy efficiency. Especially on older homes, there is often no more than three inches of old insulation. At least 12 inches is now required and for good reason. Properly insulating your attic will reap energy benefits year round. Also examine the attic access door; attach insulation to the upside of the door and install weatherstripping as well if necessary. Newer attic ladder/doors should come equipped with weatherstripping but, if you are in the market for one, make sure it does in fact have it.