LOOKING to save some cash in the run-up to Thanksgiving and Christmas?
There’s an easy way to slash $660 this winter according to energy experts.
Reduce your energy bills by a whopping $660 this winter[/caption]
Fix air leaks with caulk or silicone[/caption]
Experts at Electricchoice.com say “one of the most effective, and proven solutions to lowering your monthly energy costs is to address issues with air leaks”.
When your home is not properly sealed, both heating and cooling costs can skyrocket as your property attempts to regulate the temperatures inside your home.
According to the US Department of Energy, reducing air leaks and drafts in the home can save homeowners anywhere from five to 30 percent per year in energy costs.
It is estimated that the average homeowner spends around $2,200 per year cooling and heating their homes. So a 30 percent decrease in that amount can mean a savings of hundreds of dollars per year.
By detecting and then sealing the air leaks, you can keep your heating and cooling costs “under control”.
How to find air leaks
First, find the openings in your property.
You want to find areas where air is being let in and out, so consider looking around your plumbing, light fixtures, basement rim joins, water and furnace flues, attic entrances, door and window frames, cooling vents, outlets and switches.
Next, test for leaks.
Looking at the area closely for holes or spaces where the sun shines through is the first step.
Then, on a windy day, test the areas by carefully holding a lit incense stick or a smoke pen near the opening. The experts say to “pay attention to the smoke” and if it “travels horizontally, there is an air leak in this area”.
You can also put a piece of paper underneath a door or window and shut it tightly. If you are able to pull the paper out of the door without dragging, then there is an air leak.
If you’re not feeling confident in locating the air leaks, you can hire a professional to do a complete home assessment for air leaks that could be losing you money.
After finding all the leaks, you then need to seal them.
How to fix air leaks
Caulk can be bought for as little as $3 from Walmart.
The DAP Alex Plus 10.1 oz White All Purpose Acrylic Latex Caulk Plus Silicone has received a near five-star rating online and is only $2.97.
The DAP Alex Plus 10.1 oz White All Purpose Acrylic Latex Caulk Plus Silicone[/caption]
It has a “superior paintability with strong multi-surface adhesion on many surfaces including wood, plaster, drywall”.
And can “Provide a flexible, durable caulk formula and creates a long-lasting waterproof seal” – perfect for air seals.
Even better, “once cured, caulk provides a quality seal that resists mold and mildew“, perfect for windows.
As for where you want to use caulk for air gaps, windows and doors are the perfect places.
