Maintaining An Oil furnace

Archive for the ‘Save Money’ Category

Though it is true that a home should never be airtight, as it is necessary for it to breath, so that structural problems can be avoided as well as health problems.  However, unless your home is properly insulated with weather stripping, caulking, and energy efficient windows and doors, you could be spending between 20 to 50% more on energy cost.

The following are some weatherproofing solutions to help you reduce your energy cost and make your home more energy efficient.

• Seal the seams between the house and windows and doors moldings with caulk.
• Ensure that windows have weather stripping on all four sides.  Double-hung windows should also have weather stripping between the two sashes.
• Replace cracked and missing putty around windowpanes.
• Consider installing energy efficient windows and doors, or storm windows and doors.
• If you have storm windows, then ensure that the weep hole on the bottom of the frame is open.  A clogged hole traps moisture, causing fogged windows, paint failure, and even rot.
• Make sure that all exterior doors have weather stripping on both sides, as well as on top and that there is a sweep on across the bottom to stop air from leaking in at the threshold.
• Check for cracks in the foundation and siding, as these could be a source of air leakage.  Also, caulk around plumbing and gas lines, wiring, such as telephone lines and cable.  In short, caulk and seal all openings that you find.
• Install foam gaskets behind all wall switches and receptacles plates on all exterior walls as these are notorious for leaking air.
• Keep your fireplace flue closed when not in use.
• Check the amount of insulation in your attic and crawlspace.
• Check with your power company for a thorough energy audit.

By following these simple steps, you can lower your energy cost and make your home more energy efficient.