Fall is here and with it come colder nights and chilly mornings. Before you turn up the heater, there may be a few simple fixes to help keep your budget down and keep the cold out. Sealing the air leaks and drafts around your home windows and doors is a simple chore that can help prevent drafty cold spots in your house, which means you save money on your monthly utility bills. This step by step guide will help you find and seal drafts in your home to raise the heat and lower you bills.
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1. Find the Drafts
While a small draft might seem insignificant, you can lose hundreds on heating your home, but the fix is quick and easy. There are several ways to detect drafts around your windows and doors. Start by taking a lit candle or incense stick or a feather and slowly trace the frame of the door or window. If you notice the flame bend or see the feathers blowing, mark that spot to seal later. Do this around all doors and windows. You can also use an infrared camera to see what areas are cooler than others.
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2. Seal the Cracks
Now that you have your leaks marked, you can go and seal them with window caulking. Even if your windows were sealed properly, over time the caulking can crack and form gaps so it is a good idea to redo it. If the gaps are small, simple add a layer of caulking over space. If the gaps are larger, remove the old layer and replace.
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3. Stop at the Sills
You can make or purchase a draft snake which will fit under your doors to keep the cold out and the heat in. They are fairly simple and can be made out of nearly any fabric, including old towels. You can also invest in heavy duty curtains, roman shades, or honeycomb blinds to prevent any drafts from getting into the room.
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4. Close the gaps
If your doors or windows have larger gaps, weather-stripping can provide affordable insulation. There are several varieties including self stick rubber, felt, and aerosol spray foam.
With winter weather just around the corner, it is a good idea to make these fixes before cooler temperatures hit. Sealing the drafts in your home will not only make the cooler months more comfortable, but it will help lower utility costs as well. For more great ways to save, just call us at 724-929-2300. Our friendly agents can compare costs with top carriers to get you the best price on the right coverage for you!