Winter can be a wonderful break from the extreme heat that we often have to deal with in the summer months but it can also also brings on the cold. The cold weather there is usually a substantial increase in our energy consumption and with electricity, gas, and heating oil constantly on the rise, we must find ways to reduce that consumption to save money. Below, discover how to reduce your energy bills this winter by draught proofing your home.
These tips are sure to prove beneficial to you, and the small monetary investment that you will make will pay itself off in no time and will keep on giving you for years to come. The important thing is to do a thorough inspection of the home to see where cold air is coming in, which also means which areas are causing heat to escape.
One of the easiest ways to examine an area for heat loss is with the use of a lit candle. Be sure to use a candle holder as well to avoid dripping wax on clothing, furniture and flooring. Place the lit candle close to the surface taking care not to touch the flame to any fabric and such. If the flame moves, then there is a draught which means that there is heat loss. A good place to start is with all entry points as these cause of the most heat loss, more often than not.
Do the same thing around your window frames, clothes dryer and range hood exhaust, as well as light switches and electrical outlets. Once this is done, it is imperative to take the next step, that is to resolve the problem.
Use installation strips to tack on to the bottom of the door or to place between the door itself and the jamb. You may also need to remove the molding around the door frame to insulate it further with a foam sealant. One doesn't need to be extremely handy to take on these tasks so they are a good weekend project.
With regards to your windows, much of the inspection will have to be done on the exterior side. Often, there are lots of draughts due to cracked or compromised caulking. These will simply have to be removed and reapplied. You can also invest in window insulation kits to maximize your efforts against heat loss.
To deal with draughts that come through outlets and light switches, there are also special products available on the market, such as foam sealant specific to this purpose. Of course only those that are on exterior walls will need to be treated with the solution is fairly simple and anyone can take on the job. The important thing is to close up even the smallest point of infiltration to stop wasting energy.
These tips are sure to prove beneficial to you, and the small monetary investment that you will make will pay itself off in no time and will keep on giving you for years to come. The important thing is to do a thorough inspection of the home to see where cold air is coming in, which also means which areas are causing heat to escape.
One of the easiest ways to examine an area for heat loss is with the use of a lit candle. Be sure to use a candle holder as well to avoid dripping wax on clothing, furniture and flooring. Place the lit candle close to the surface taking care not to touch the flame to any fabric and such. If the flame moves, then there is a draught which means that there is heat loss. A good place to start is with all entry points as these cause of the most heat loss, more often than not.
Do the same thing around your window frames, clothes dryer and range hood exhaust, as well as light switches and electrical outlets. Once this is done, it is imperative to take the next step, that is to resolve the problem.
Use installation strips to tack on to the bottom of the door or to place between the door itself and the jamb. You may also need to remove the molding around the door frame to insulate it further with a foam sealant. One doesn't need to be extremely handy to take on these tasks so they are a good weekend project.
With regards to your windows, much of the inspection will have to be done on the exterior side. Often, there are lots of draughts due to cracked or compromised caulking. These will simply have to be removed and reapplied. You can also invest in window insulation kits to maximize your efforts against heat loss.
To deal with draughts that come through outlets and light switches, there are also special products available on the market, such as foam sealant specific to this purpose. Of course only those that are on exterior walls will need to be treated with the solution is fairly simple and anyone can take on the job. The important thing is to close up even the smallest point of infiltration to stop wasting energy.
About the Author:
Learn about the benefits and advantages of sash window draught proofing for winter weather. When you discuss your needs with the knowledgeable sash window refurbishment professionals, they will be able to provide you with the important information you need.
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