Utilities
costs are not going down any time soon and winter is surely upon us. The areas
of your home that affect your cold weather heating costs the most are the
basement and attic but there are ways that you can reduce heat loss in these
vulnerable areas. Taking the right steps this winter will help to reduce energy
costs and also help to you to avoid any possible cold weather damage.
Winterize Your
Attic and Save Big
Heat
loss in the attic is one of the leading causes of higher than necessary utility
bills. It’s easier to search for air leaks on either windy or rainy days. All
you need to do is look either for wet spots or feel for drafts. If you find any
gaps it’s an easy job to fix the problem using weatherproof caulk. For best
results be sure to apply the caulk outside as well as inside and you will get
much better results.
Check the
Insulation from Top to Bottom
If
you can see the joists in your attic than you don’t have sufficient insulation
to keep the heat in. A minimum of 12 inches is recommended and more won’t hurt.
If you have metal pipes in the basement than they need to be insulated as well
to prevent freezing. Foam insulation for this purpose is available at all home
improvement centers and is very easy to install.
.
Windows Are Like
Big Holes in Your Walls!
Although you may
have high quality windows in your home many times the windows in attics and
basements are not as well insulated. If this is the case in your home than I
suggest using those plastic film kits that are made to cover drafty windows.
They are highly effective at keeping out the cold and cost very little money.
Leaky Duct Work is
Not Uncommon
If you take a good
look at the metal duct work in your attic and basement you might find plenty of
spaces where the pieces are joined together at the seams and joints. This is
actually quite normal but can cost you plenty of wasted hot air. A roll of
aluminum tape will quickly solve this problem. Simply wipe down the duct work
with a damp rag so that the tape will stick well and go to work! This simple
step can save you a bundle in utility bills.
Give Your Furnace
a Breath of Fresh Air
The less your
heating system can “breath”, the more money it costs to operate. A simple
filter replacement each fall will ensure a more efficient heating system and
that is a definite money saver.
Backwards is
Better!
Most attic fans
have a switch that allows you to reverse the direction that it is circulating
air. In the winter time if you change it to draw heated air upward instead of
blowing cooler air downward you will see a noticeable difference in your
utility bill. Simple and effective.
This is the One
that Everybody Forgets!
You know those
attic steps that you pull down when it’s time to go up? Guess what? Most of
them are NOT insulated and as a result you may be heating your attic! There are
several ways to insulate this door to prevent this problem depending upon the
way it has been installed. One cure is a wooden “box” or frame that is made to
cover the entire door and prevent air circulation. Another way is to actually
insulate the edges of the drop down door with a special seal. Your best bet is
to check with your local home improvement center to see what’s available. In a
pinch you could even use a heavy duty plastic tarp. Anything is better than
nothing and will help to keep the warm air where it belongs.
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