If you are looking for a cost-effective way to reduce your energy bills, considered draft proofing. Research tells us that you can reduce your energy bills by more than 25% just by sealing gaps in your doors, windows and any other areas where exterior air can get in or interior air can get out.
A constant inflow is created by a draft. After you have set your internal temperature, by adjusting the thermostat, the heating system or air-conditioning system works to keep it that way. Drafts have other ideas however and work against your electronics. Both your heating and your air-conditioning systems must stay on longer during the appropriate seasons to maintain your desired internal home temperature. The longer they work, more you pay!
You can eliminate chills and other discomforts by seriously considering draft proofing. Just a few minutes of your time can lead to major savings, a more pleasant environment and can save your heating and cooling systems from working overtime.
Draft proofing is defined as the process of identifying and sealing cracks and gaps. For example, by using weatherstripping or by caulking. However, it is far easier and less expensive to put draft blockers around the windows and under all the doors. If you rent your house, condominium or apartment, these draft stoppers are ideal for lowering your energy bills without a permanent installation.
There are several easy methods to search for drafty areas in your home or apartment. Strike a match or a lighter by a door or window, or just run your hand around the window or along the bottom of the door. If you see your drapes or curtains moving slightly when the windows are shut, you know you have a draft problem.
As you draft proof your home, you will be able to determine the areas that are leading to costly energy bills. In older houses, windows and doors may have settled, but the insulation could also be faulty, which is especially likely if its old and a much lower quality than today’s products. Draft stoppers are ideal for out-of-the-way places, like basement doors and attics. These items are made of flexible material and fit into any opening.
There are a number of places where air could enter or escape, in addition to the usual suspects — the windows and doors. When you are draft proofing, pay attention to pet doors, clothes dryer vents, mail slots and openings where telephone and cable wires run through.
Just because you have a new home, don’t think that you can get away without any draft proofing issues. Caulking around windows can loosen due to adverse weather and you will often find this around your sliding glass doors leading to the exterior, for example.
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