Smart Tips to Tackle Skyrocketing Winter Energy Bills

The holiday season brings joy, festive lights, and cozy nights, but it also means higher energy bills. With electric companies predicting an average seven percent increase for Connecticut households starting in January, now is the perfect time to get ahead of the curve and cut those costs.

One often-overlooked resource is an Energize Connecticut home energy audit. For a small fee, a consultant will assess your home’s energy efficiency—checking everything from your furnace and water heater to air ducts, windows, and doors. They’ll not only identify problem areas but also offer rebates for upgrades and repairs. To get started, visit the EnergizeCT website and select your energy provider.

While scheduling an audit is a great first step, there are plenty of DIY ways to prep your home for winter and minimize energy loss. Start by targeting these common culprits:

1. Windows

Windows are one of the biggest sources of heat loss. Try these tricks to stay warm and save:

• Hang heavy curtains or drapes to trap heat, especially on large glass doors or single-pane windows.

• Seal gaps with silicone caulk, especially around wooden frames that warp with age.

• Add shrink film to single-pane windows. It’s easy to apply, affordable, and available at home supply stores.

2. Doors

Doors see frequent use and can let in cold drafts. To fix this:

• Inspect your door sweep and replace it if the bristles are loose or damaged.

• Use a door snake or DIY one with old socks and rice, beans, or newspaper. These simple barriers make a big difference.

3. Attic Hatch

An attic hatch can act like a chimney, letting warm air escape.

• Install an insulated box over the hatch to keep heat where it belongs—inside your home. You’ll still have full access for holiday decor and storage items, but your home will stay warmer.

4. Water Heater

Your water heater works harder in winter, but insulation can lighten the load:

• Wrap the tank in a fiberglass blanket (available at hardware stores). Use foil tape but avoid covering any valves or pipes.

• Insulate the pipes with foam or fiberglass wrap to retain heat and reduce energy loss.

5. Insulation

Many homes lack adequate insulation, leading to sky-high heating costs.

• Proper insulation in walls and attics can reduce heating and cooling costs by 16–50%, according to the EPA.

• Investing in insulation isn’t just great for energy savings—it’s also a top-rated upgrade for boosting resale value.

By taking these steps, you can keep your home cozy without breaking the bank. Rising energy costs are no joke, but a little winterproofing can go a long way toward keeping your budget on track this season.

Bob O'Donnell is the owner of O'Donnell Bros, Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions for Bob to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro”. All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O'Donnell Bros, Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.

Sealing Your Attic Hatchway

Many homeowners are unaware that the pull-down attic stairway is one of the primary sources of heat loss in their homes. Typically, the attic is a space we access infrequently—perhaps to retrieve holiday decorations or suitcases for a trip. Because of this, it’s easy to overlook how much temperature fluctuation occurs in the attic and just how much air escapes through this often-neglected area.

I can’t count the number of times I’ve entered an attic to find frozen water droplets clinging to the tips of roofing nails. This happens because homes often lack sufficient insulation and ventilation, causing the attic to become blistering hot in summer and freezing cold in winter. The resulting condensation can lead to significant problems like wood rot and mold growth, threatening the integrity of your home.

Heat loss, of course, is another major concern. We all know that warm air rises, and in many Connecticut homes that are underinsulated, a lot of that warmth escapes right through the attic hatch. While most homeowners apply draft strips and sealants to doors and windows, the attic entryway is frequently overlooked—even though it’s one of the most critical points for energy efficiency. The same applies to whole-house fans, which are another common area of heat loss.

One effective solution we often recommend is installing an insulated box over the attic entry or built-in house fan. These boxes are constructed from heavy-duty insulation and sealed with expanding foam. When the stairs are folded up into the attic, the box creates a secure barrier, preventing heat loss while still allowing easy access to the space. This straightforward upgrade can drastically reduce heat transfer, leading to a more comfortable and energy-efficient home.

For anyone looking to improve their home’s comfort and efficiency, I always suggest getting insulation and ventilation checked. Proper insulation is an affordable, impactful home improvement, and adding an insulated box over the attic hatch is an excellent way to complement this work for just a few hundred dollars. You’ll be amazed at the difference it makes.

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a family-owned home improvement business based in Bristol since 1975. Email your questions to info@odonnellbros.com with “Ask the Pro” in the subject line. Questions may be featured in future publications. To reach Bob for your home improvement needs, call (860) 589-5155 or visit http://www.odonnellbros.com. This advice is for informational purposes only.

Winter’s Unwanted Houseguests: Animals in Your Home

As colder weather finally settles in, you might find yourself sharing your home with some unexpected guests. Mice, raccoons, squirrels, and even possums often look for warmer places to stay as the weather grows colder. Attics make an ideal retreat, providing shelter from the elements. If you’re hearing strange noises—such as squeaks, scurrying, or even hissing—especially late at night, it’s likely that a critter has moved in.

If an animal has taken up residence, it’s important to act quickly before they get too comfortable. Once settled, they may start nesting, which can lead to further damage. Most animals leave clues that help identify them. High-pitched squeaks or chewing sounds usually mean rats or mice, while fast scurrying is often a sign of a squirrel or a mouse. Raccoons, known for their snarling and hissing, tend to make more aggressive noises. While some animals move into your attic on purpose, others may be there by accident and are simply trying to find a way back outside. Understanding what you’re dealing with can help you determine the best course of action.

Animals in your attic aren’t just a nuisance; they pose serious risks to your home. Most will gnaw on anything they encounter, especially mice and rats, which chew through wiring, creating fire hazards. Larger animals like raccoons and possums can tear apart insulation and ruin ductwork, leading to costly repairs. Their droppings and urine can also create unpleasant odors and unsanitary conditions.

If your problem is mice or rats, they likely came in looking for warmth and water. These small animals can squeeze through holes as tiny as a dime, so sealing any potential entry points and fixing leaks is essential. Setting bait traps can catch some of the rodents already inside, but long-term solutions require securing all access points to prevent re-entry.

Squirrels, on the other hand, usually prefer the outdoors and may have come into the attic by mistake. They often get in through soffits or vents. One of the best ways to help them leave is by installing an exclusion door—a one-way exit that allows them to leave but not return.

Raccoons are more determined and will stay put if they find a warm, dark spot. Since they’re nocturnal, try leaving lights on in the attic and playing music to encourage them to find somewhere quieter to rest.

Bats are trickier, as they’re usually very quiet unless there’s a large colony present. Due to potential health risks, bat removal should only be performed by a certified DEEP specialist.

Finally, possums, much like raccoons, are resilient squatters that often refuse to leave. Their droppings can quickly accumulate, leaving a huge mess and a foul odor. The best way to handle a possum is to call a professional for humane trapping and removal.

Ultimately, dealing with unwanted animal visitors is best left to professionals. Ignoring the problem can result in more than a few sleepless nights—it can lead to extensive and costly repairs.

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit http://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.