Eliminate Drafts in Your House
There is a never ending list of chores to keep homeowners busy, but fall is the time to see that your home is ready for winter weather. With heating costs on the rise, be sure that you will stay warm and comfortable with the least amount of expense. Replacing all the old stuff that’s not efficient is the ideal, but that’s not realistic for many people so make good use of mild fall weather to get your house ready for frigid winter winds.
Eliminate drafts.
Weather stripping is used for sealing windows and doors and there are different types for specific areas. Caulk is pliable and is used to fill gaps almost everywhere else in the house. Like weather stripping, there is the right caulk for each area or use and it even comes in colors. Caulk is usually applied with a caulking gun that can take some getting used to. Rope caulk is more expensive but is easy to use by pressing it into place with your fingers. Using the right product for a specific area will create a more effective seal.
Many homeowners can cut their heating cost by as much as 25% by eliminating drafts. A good way to check for drafty doors and windows is by holding a lit stick of incense and watch for movement of the smoke. (Be careful using lit incense around curtains.) Check caulking around windows and weather stripping around doors and repair or replace any that shows damage. Don’t forget basement and attic windows.
Electrical outlets are often a source of drafts and sealers are made specifically to fit behind outlet and switch plates to eliminate drafts.
Any pipes that enter the house through an exterior wall are a potential source of drafts. Seal these with weather stripping or caulking.
Weather strip around attic hatches and pull down stairs.
Seal basement windows with rope caulk. This can be removed easily if the window needs to be opened. If basement windows are single pane, consider covering them with plastic.
Check door locks for drafts and seal with weather stripping.
Duct work leaks in attics and crawl spaces are not uncommon, so don’t overlook them as a potential loss of heat.
If you have a window air conditioner, either remove it for the winter or seal it tightly.
If you have an attached garage, seal the garage door, any entrance doors, and windows.
Fireplace dampers should be closed when the fireplace is not in use.
Remove screens from windows and put in storm windows. Clean all windows before installing the storms.
If there are still drafts around the windows, seal them with one of those kits that use a hair dryer to shrink the plastic to seal it tight.
Add a door sweep to the bottom of outside doors.
Consider double layer insulated curtains for your windows.
Be proactive.
Have your heating system cleaned and checked by a professional before winter sets in. There are differing opinions on yearly or every two years for cleaning furnaces, but having it done once a year should prevent unexpected problems during winter months or refer to the maintenance guide that came with your furnace. In homes with older furnaces, just get it checked to be on the safe side. Phone several service companies to find out the cost in your area. Some companies will want you to sign a contract for a maintenance plan. They can be a good deal but read the fine print and know what’s included before signing.
Fireplaces and wood stove chimneys should be cleaned to remove any creosote buildup and bird nests.
Be sure that all smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers are working. Keep them dust free. If the unit is eight years old, replace it.
Energy audit.
If you want to find where you’re losing heat or wasting energy, consider an energy audit. An energy audit determine the amount of energy you use and will point out problem areas and how to improve or eliminate them. You can do your own audit or hire a profession for about $150.
