Tips for Air Sealing a Home
Air sealing your home can save you hundreds of dollars in heating and cooling costs. Small gaps in windows, doors and insulation allow cold and hot air to seep into your home when it's not wanted. This problem is a particular issue in older homes, but can be controlled with a few simple efforts. To minimize the air leaks in your home, try the following fixes to start saving money on your heating and cooling bills today.
Seal Windows with Plastic Sheeting
In the winter, it's a good idea to seal your windows with plastic sheeting to prevent excess cold air from entering your home. Though this procedure might not be the most aesthetically pleasing for large, decorative bay windows, it works wonders on windows that can be covered by blinds or are rarely seen. Simply cut a sheet of thick plastic drop cloth one or two inches larger than the inside perimeter of your window. Next, use double-sided tape to secure it to the inside of your window frame. Drop your blinds or close your curtains to make this money-saving adjustment less visible.
Use Door Snakes or Weatherstripping
Doors should be a target for sealing, as some of the largest cracks in homes are under doors leading outside. You can purchase or make your own door snakes, which are thick fabric tubes filled with insulation that you can push up against your door's base to stop drafts. Or, you can install thick rubber or foam weatherstripping on the bottom of your door, which is available at any home improvement store.
Caulk Cracks and Gaps
Cracks in ceilings and gaps in baseboard and window trim can let in significant amounts of outside air. You can use clear acrylic caulk to seal these leaks. Clean the area thoroughly before applying the caulk, then apply a thin, smooth line and allow to dry.
