EarthMatters: Preparing Your Home For Winter

From expanding spray insulation to paper-backed batting, a multitude of products are available to keep the heat in your home from escaping into winter's cold grip.

The efficiency of insulation is, how much heat is kept from escaping, is given an R or Retention Value. New construction is required to have a minimum rating of R-38, which is about 15 inches of insulation in the attic. It is recommended, however, to bring existing homes up to the same standard. But if you don't want to pay for a contractor, a cheaper alternative is to buy the insulation at a home improvement store and install it yourself.

Some gas and electric utilities have rebate programs to help upgrade the insulation in your home, but simple products like expanding foam insulation installed around windows and doors will also help reduce energy costs.