(ARA) - The weather outside is about to get frigid and frightful, but inside, many homeowners can still enjoy the comfort and coziness of warmth ... if they don't have to worry about cold air drafts and leaks causing the temperature inside to plummet like the climate outside.

Luckily, for many homeowners, problem areas where cold air is sneaking in - and warm air may be escaping - can easily be found, fixed and then forgotten. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the annual energy bill for a typical single family home is about $2,200. By properly sealing and insulating your home, you can save up to 10 percent on home energy costs. And, you don't need a permanent - and more expensive - draft-blocking solution, such as installing new windows, adding more insulation or replacing old doors with insulated versions, to stay warm and reap the financial rewards.

Here are a few simple do-it-yourself steps to keep the warm air - and cost savings - in your home this winter:

* Find. Perform a home energy audit to determine where you might have some issues. While you can pay a professional, this can also be done quickly with a simple list and a few household items.

To start, make a list of potential problem areas, including windows and doors, as well as places where pipes, electrical outlets, vents and mail slots are located.

To complete the audit, make sure all doors, windows and fireplace chutes are closed, shut off all combustion appliances, and turn on exhaust fans (in the kitchen and bathrooms, if you have them). Then, take a lit incense stick or candle and hold it in front of the areas you listed as possible problem sources - leaks and drafts will cause the smoke or flame to flow in the direction of the air leak. Be sure to keep track of any areas in need of sealing.

You can also shine a flashlight around doors and windows to look for gaps and cracks - if you see light shining through, you've likely found an area in need of fixing.

* Fix. Once you've determined the areas that need attention, look for DIY weatherization products that can help. Many cost-effective, easy-to-install solutions are on the market today, with many formulated for specific problem areas.

For leaks around pipes, electrical outlets, vents or mail slots, consider caulk or other specialized products, like foam seals, to block the drafts.

Drafts around windows can be fixed with a window insulation kit, typically a clear plastic film that can be placed on the inside or outside of the window to create a draft-proof seal that can easily be removed when the cold air clears out.

Additionally, many window and door seals can be applied quickly and easily, but don't forget about the bottom, where cold air might be creeping in.

For leaks under doors and windows, look for a solution that will "hug" the bottom to create an airtight barrier. The Double Draft Seal from Duck brand offers two layers of protection from drafts, sealing underneath doors and windows from both sides, for maximum energy efficiency and thermal protection.

* Forget. Take the time to fix the problem areas now and you'll forget you had any air leaks and drafts by the time the weather turns frigid and frightful.

For DIYers, it's as simple as taking the time to find the cold air sources, choosing the right products to block the drafts and installing them properly.

The fall offers many perfect opportunities to get DIY weatherization done. And, many of these projects can be completed in a weekend and then forgotten throughout the cold winter months - all without breaking the bank. For more information and tips to winterize your home, visit DuckBrand.com/HomeSmart.

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From the back of the book:

“Think and Grow Rich is the most important financial book ever written. Napoleon Hill researched more than forty millionaires to find out what made them the men that they were. In this book he imparts that knowledge to you. Once you’ve read this book you will understand what gives certain people an edge over everyone else. By following the advice laid out clearly in this book you’ll be the one with an edge. It’s time to stop wondering what it’s like to be rich and start knowing. This book has changed countless lives and it can change yours! Unlike many of the other editions on the market today, this edition is complete and unabridged!”

To enter for your chance to win a copy of Think and Grow Rich you must follow the steps below:

* Sign up for Sumèr LLC's newsletter, OR subscribe to our Sumèr LLC blog.

* Then comment on Sumèr's Contest blog post telling us how you think this book will benefit your business, and leave contact information to notify you if you win.

Additional ways to enter:

* Blog about this contest with a link to the Contest blog post.

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Dates:

The contest begins Wednesday, January 20, 2010, and ends the following Wednesday, January 27, 2010, at midnight (Eastern). The winner will be chosen and notified on Friday, January 29, 2010, via random.org and announced on this blog.

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Terms & Conditions:

No compensation for commenting or promoting this contest will be given in either cash or products unless you are a chosen winner or registered affiliate of the contest. Sumèr, LLC, will not be held liable for any participant’s comment, and the participant states that by commenting and associating himself / herself with a specific business that he / she has the right to publish a comment on behalf of that business without compensation of any kind. All comments submitted become a part of Sumèr and can be published in the comments section of the Sumèr blog. The winner also agrees that the mention of his or her name on the Sumèr blog as the winner is acceptable.

Names will only be entered four times maximum per person (if the person chooses to take additional actions specified above to promote the contest) and will be chosen randomly–no exceptions. Winners will be contacted via email.

By commenting, you are stating that you understand and agree to the terms and conditions of this contest. Further, you are stating that you have the authority to publish the comment you are submitting on behalf of the business you specify that you are a part of.

If you agree to the above terms and conditions, you may begin commenting today. Please mention your name, the business you own or work for, and your email.

Winner will be emailed and announced on Friday, January 29, 2010. No purchase necessary.