Seal up cracks in your home to save energy
If you feel drafts in your home, it means your house isn’t protecting you as well as you should and it is probably wasting energy and money. And even if you don’t feel drafts, you may still have air leaks that are costing you energy.
Here are a few ways for you to detect the more obvious air leaks and save energy:
• Look for cracks. See if you can spot any gaps between the chimney and siding or any other places where different materials meet on the outside of your house. These are areas where you may be leaking air. Making repairs can help you save energy and money.
• Sunlight test. Look at the bottom of your door. If you can see daylight, you have a big area to let cold air in and warm air out. (If you’re checking at night, shine a flashlight under the door and have a friend check from the other side to see if he or she can see light.) This test is also useful for window frames. Sealing up the cracks can reduce your energy costs and make your home more comfortable.
• Paper test. Put a piece of paper under your door and shut the door. If you can pull out the paper without tearing it, you have an air leak. Also test the side seal by shutting the door on the paper. Again, this test works for windows, too. Tighten up those seals to save energy.
• Candle test. Hold a candle near a door or window. If the flame flickers, there is air movement that indicates a leak.
• Hidden leaks. Even if you don’t detect air leaks using these methods, your house may not be as energy efficient as you’d like it to be. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends having an expert conduct an energy analysis to find hidden leaks.
For more information on how a home energy analysis can save energy and heating dollars, fill out the form to the right or call us at 866-284-8604.
