Lower Your Heating Costs
Seal Air Leaks At Windows and Doors
By: Jeanne Huber
Seal air leaks around windows and doors to prevent wasting home heating and cooling energy that costs you money.
An average home loses up to 30% of its heating and cooling energy through air leaks (http://www.houselogic.com/articles/attic-air-leaks-how-to-find-seal-them/). The most significant air leaks tend to occur around windows and doors. To stop air leaks and prevent your home heating and cooling dollars from vanishing in the wind, it's important to seal any air leaks around windows and doors.
Check for air leaks
With windows and doors closed, hold a lit stick of incense near window and door frames where drafts might sneak in (http://www.houselogic.com/articles/diy-home-energy-audit-6-easy-steps/). Watch for smoke movement. Note what sources need caulk, sealant, and weather-stripping.
Seal air leaks around windows
If you have old windows (http://www.houselogic.com/articles/replace-old-windows-with-energy-efficient-models/), caulking and adding new weatherstripping goes a long way toward tightening them up.
- Bronze weatherstripping ($12 for 17 feet) lasts for decades but is time-consuming to install.
- Self-stick plastic types are easy to put on but don't last very long.
- Adhesive-backed EPDM rubber ($8 for 10 feet) is a good compromise, rated to last at least 10 years.
Nifty gadgets called pulley seals ($9 a pair) block air from streaming though the holes where cords disappear into the frames.
Seal air leaks around doors
Check for air leaks (http://www.houselogic.com/articles/air-leaks-your-basement-how-to-spot-seal-them/), and replace old door weatherstripping with new.
- Foam-type tape has an adhesive backing; it's inexpensive and easy to install. If it comes loose, reinforce it with staples.
- Felt is either adhesive-backed or comes with flexible metal reinforcement. it must be tacked or glued into place. It's cheap and easy to install, but it has low durability.
- Tubular rubber, vinyl, and silicone weatherstripping is relatively expensive and tricky to install, but it provides an excellent seal. Some types come with a flange designed to fit into pre-cut grooves in the jambs of newer doors; check your existing weatherstripping and replace with a similar style.
Check exterior trim for any gaps between the trim and your door frames, and the trim and your siding. Caulk gaps with an exterior latex caulk ($5 for a 10-ounce tube).
Seal door bottoms
If a draft comes in at the bottom, check the condition of the threshold gasket. Replace worn gaskets. If you can see daylight under the door, you may need to install a new threshold with a taller gasket ($25 for a 36-inch door). Or, install a weather-resistant door sweep designed for exterior doors ($9). Door sweeps attach directly to the door and are easy to install.
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Article From HouseLogic.com
By: Jeanne Huber
Published: December 14, 2010
Jeanne Huber is the author of 10 books about home improvement and writes a weekly column about home care for the Washington Post.
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Market News
The new year looks to be starting off fairly strong. Despite a wintry brew of weather, a lot of activity is beginning in the new and existing home markets around here. As interest rates begin going up again, a lot of buyers are getting off the fence.
One area I have been looking at recently is the expansion the Wylie area and eastern Lake Lavon are experiencing. With new commercial developments in the area, residential communities are continuing to grow around the lake.. One area of particular interest I visited this week is D.R. Horton's
group of homes at the Grand Heritage master planned community in Lavon.
I was very impressed with their country club style community building complete with an exercise wing and terrific pools and multiple swimming laps. For folks looking to live away from the thickening suburbs , these master planned communities offer many of the amenities you would not otherwise be able to find in smaller communities. D.R. Horton has always been one of my favorite builders for their great values and an excellent reputation with their clients for their warranty and after sale service.
And this area does qualify for the USDA loans, but time is quickly running out for that program as this area grows out. If you'd be interested in exploring this community give me a call and I'll be happy to arrange a first class tour .
Of course for those wanting something closer to the metro area the eastern corridor of the new George Bush Turnpike continues to bring new jobs and development to Rowlett and Garland. And if you hear of anyone wanting to make a move soon I have a couple of terrific homes I 'm marketing now in Plano and a great rental in N. Garland.
Featured Home
Completely redone, all new
appliances, washer/dryer included.
Great rental property!
912 Westwood
Plano, 75075
$219,000
See this new listing & more Featured Homes at www.GregFosterHomes.com or give me a call for anytime.
Best Regards,
Greg Foster
469.358.8569
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