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Finding the proper way to find all of the energy wasting areas of your home can be a daunting task that many people think is to much of a hassle to perform.
The fact is that by investigating where your house leaks energy (yes I mean all the hot or cold air leaking in or out of your house that you pay a lot of money for) can save you a bunch of money with very little time or effort on your part.
Follow these basic guidelines to start saving right away.
- TO START, test your home for air tightness. On a cool windy day, or a very hot day, hold a lit incense stick next to your windows, doors, electrical boxes, plumbing fixtures, electrical outlets, ceiling fixtures, attic hatches, and other locations where there is a possible air path inside out or outside in. If the smoke stream travels horizontally, you have located an air leak that may need caulking, sealing, or weather-stripping.
- Caulk and weather-strip doors and windows that leak air.(energy)
Note: If you cannot do this work yourself, find a reputable contractor to get the work done. You will still save a lot of energy.
- Caulk and seal air leaks where plumbing, ducting, or electrical wiring penetrates through the exterior walls, floors, ceilings, and soffits over cabinets.
- Install rubber gaskets behind plug outlet and switch plates on all external and internal walls.
- Look for dirty spots in your insulation, which often indicate holes where air leaks into and out of your house.
- Replace insulation that looks like it has been wet
- Investing in storm windows can pay for themselves in two years. Install storm windows over single-pane windows or replace them with double-pane windows. Storm windows as much as double the R-value of single-pane windows and they can help reduce drafts, water condensation, and frost formation. As a less costly and less permanent alternative, you can use a heavy-duty, clear plastic sheet on a frame or tape clear plastic film to the inside of your window frames during the cold winter months. Remember, the plastic must be sealed tightly to the frame to help reduce infiltration.
- When the fireplace is not in use, keep the flue damper tightly closed. A chimney is designed for smoke to escape , but can allow major amounts of energy to escape, so until you close it, warm air escapes or cold air infiltrates your home 24 hours a day!
- For new construction, reduce exterior wall leaks by either installing house wrap, taping the joints of exterior sheathing, or comprehensively caulking and sealing the exterior walls.
Note: Many areas of the country have building codes that require these procedures to be done during any new construction, so be sure to check building codes in your area for requirements.
Learn How To Perform Home Weatherization Inspections and Repairs... On Your Own Home!
Home Weatherization Starter Kit
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Home Weatherization
