By Julie DeLong, A-1 Freeman Moving Group
Windows are the main source of heat loss and drafts especially for older homes. If storm windows are available, ensure that they are well installed and that they can fully close without any difficulty. Use silicone caulk to seal cracks and gaps. Get rid of air conditioning units on the windows as the vents on the AC will let cold air into your home. By applying weather stripping to the wooden windows, you will help seal the gaps that are between the sill and the bottom of the window frame.
Older 1-pane windows could be causing loss of heat from your home. However, plastic sheeting or shades can help prevent heat loss. You need to ensure that the sheeting is air tight and lower shades overnight to retain warm air in the house. It is also important that you open the shades during the day to benefit from the passive solar energy.
It is important for you to ensure that all your doors close completely and that there is no gap between the frame and the door. You can tell if there are drafts by moving a lit candle around the door frame to see if it flickers. If it flickers, that is a clear indication that you have drafts. You can patch the drafts using silicone caulk or weather stripping.
By insulating attics, you will help reduce the amount of heat lost from the roof. This will ensure that you always feel warm and comfortable. Although adding insulation can be a little pricey, it will have a great return on investment.
A thermostat will ensure your home remains energy efficient by keeping the bills low. If you install a programmable thermostat, you do not have to manually set the temperature you find appropriate each time you leave the house and when you get back home. The thermostat adjusts your home's temperature automatically hence providing maximum comfort when the house is occupied. You can also set the thermostat to tone down your home's temperature when no one is at home.
It is easy for someone to ignore outlets and light switches when they are weatherproofing their new home. Outlets are basically holes in the walls and they could be a cause of heat loss from your home or cold drafts, which is why you must inspect them. Hence, you should ensure that they are insulated. Insulation kits used on outlets and light switches are pre-cut foam insulators which can be fixed behind the wall or switch plates. You may also choose to cut your own insulator foam but ensure that the foam is fire retardant to avoid electrical fires.
A water heater blanket is basically a blanket installed around your water heater to help prevent heat loss hence helping you save money on the energy bills. It also ensures that the water heater maintains a consistent temperature.
If you are looking for more resources on what to do after you move to a new home, contact A-1 Freeman Moving Group, your local moving company.
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