Air Sealing
Energy Efficient Home
Air sealing can give you a more energy efficient home. How much more efficient depends on how air leakage is leftover. Air sealing some parts of your home are easier than others. Take on the easiest projects first. You might not have to skills or money to seal all of your home's air leaks, but that's OK. Do what you can and remember every little bit will help and add up in savings.
Here are some common locations for air sealing:
Location Gaps under exterior doors Fix Install weatherstripping. The weatherstripping will create a seal between the bottom of the door and floor.Location Cracks around windows Fix Caulk around window frame and install window stripping. Location Gaps around electrical outlets Fix Get a bigger outlet cover plate and add insulation around and/or in outlet box. Location Gaps around attic access panels Fix Cut a piece of insulation to fit on top of the panel. Location Behind bath tubs and shower stalls Fix Remove old caulking from around tub and re caulk. Location Utility chaseways Fix Add insulation is accessible or get professional opinion.
If you want a real professional asessment have a energy audit done. As a part of his inspection he will check the insulation and identify air leaks.Remember when improving the air tightness of your home you must keep proper ventilation in mind. You might have needed the air entering through those air leaks. As a result of poor ventilation you can develop mold and moisture problems. A HRV or other ventilation system may be necessary.
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