Energy Saving with Sealing

For energy saving in the winter and summer, sealing air leaks is the first step. A quick trip to the ol' Home Depot and get yourself some caulk, seal, or weatherstrips and follow the steps below!

• Test for air tightness. Any farmer's market will have a hippie selling incense, buy yourself and stick, light it, and hold it next to your windows or door frames, outlets - basically anywhere there might be even the smallest way for air to sneak in or out. Follow the smoke!
• Windows and Doors you can caulk and weatherstrip.
• Anywhere your walls or ceiling has stuff coming out of - like cable wire, plumbing, ducting - give them a once over with the caulking gun.
• Switch plates and outlets you can install a foam gasket behind them to seal it.
• Dirty spots are a good indicator where air leaks are. Look for them on your walls and ceiling and on your carpet.
• Close the flu! If you own a fireplace and you left the flu open - your sending money up the chimney all day and night. Plus over time the metal flus can get warped or crack for the constant fire and cooling. Be sure to check it every year.
• Storm windows or more efficient windows are better than single pane.
• Foam sealant is great for those big gaps around the window panes and floor boards.
• Replace old door gaskets at the bottom of your front and back doors to keep air leaking out.
• Your kitchen exhaust fan is actually a vent! A fan cover can be held over it with simple magnets.

It's hard work but well worth it. Be sure to walk that insence stick around in your attic and basement and all those dusty places you haven't been in a while.

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