Winter Maintenance - Heat Loss
Wednesday, February 01, 2012
Don’t let winter slip away without using the little bit of cold weather we might have left in February to help you detect where your home is leaking heat; giving you a chance to seal it up tight and develop a wish list for energy-saving improvements.
First, grab a pad and pencil to note any spots that you can’t address right away. Then, arm yourself with a tube of caulk to fill small cracks and a spray can of insulating foam sealer for larger gaps. Tour your home feeling for cold air entering through cracks in window and door frames, cracks around appliance vents, electrical and plumbing fixtures, and furnace ducts. Remedies also might include adding new weatherstripping around door and/or window frames.
Once you’ve sealed the obvious leaks and you find that your home is still inefficient, call Georgia Power for a professional energy audit. The auditor can recommend energy-saving improvements and point out those that will be the most cost effective. For recommended projects that you’re not comfortable handling, contact recommended contractors after checking their references thoroughly and check for complaints at the Better Business Bureau.
- Scott Askew
Posted in: Intown Living