Things You'll Need:
- Outlet insulation pads
- Faucet covers
- door weather stripping
- Window film
- Caulking
- Drapes
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Step 1
Request an energy audit from your local utility office. These are usually free or low cost and they will have the equipment to measure drafts and heat loss in your home. A heat sensor can identify heat loss through poor insulation, too little insulation in your attic and drafts in your home.
Take note of any and all recommendations of your local ustility company. They are trying to conserve energy, keep you warmer and save you money at the same time. -
Step 2
Inspect the outside of your home and use silocone caulking to fill any cracks around window frames, outside water spigots and doors.
Disconnect and drain your water hoses for storage. Caulk around your outdoor spigots and cover with an insulated cover. These come in styrofoam reuseable cups and insulated bags. Any exposed water lines should be wrapped with foam insulation.
Do not block foundation vents. In pier and beam homes ventilation is necessary to prevent moisture build up in your foundation. If you block your vents you will encourage the growth of mold, mildew and wood rot. -
Step 3
The optimum window insulation would be double paned energy efficient vynal or wood windows. Since these are not an option for many people I suggest the following;
Single pane windows should be inspected for loose or damaged panes. Damaged panes should be replaced, loose panes should be reputtied. Window air conditioners should be removed and stored. Any weatherstripping should be replaced.
If you have storm windows make certain they are functional and down. If you don't, consider using a heat seal clear plastic window cover on your Northern and windward windows. Also consider closing wooden shutters and heavy drapes instead of curtains for Northern and windward windows. -
Step 4
Doors should be checked for air leaks around the edges and the lock. Thresholds should fit snugly or you should install insullation to prevent bottom drafts. Insullation strips should be inspected for replacement. If not present you should consider installing storm doors. You can also get insullation strips and cloth insullated door pillows that lay in front of the bottom of the door.
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Step 5
Exterior light switches and electrical plugs often leak outside air into frame homes. This may also occure at TV cable and telephone jacks. Installing flat sheet insulation pads, these are already shapped to fit, placed under light switch cover plates and plug plates can help trememdously in illiminating drafts.
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Step 6
Check your attic for proper insulation depth and installation. An energy audit can help. To determine the proper insullation depth for your house go to the Department of Energy website and type in your ZIP code (http://www.ornl.gov/~roofs/Zip/ZipHome.html)
Don't forget to insulate around heater ducts and your heater vents if they go through your cieling. Also keep in mind that your attic access should also be sealed.
Do not block you attic outside ventilation. The ventillation in your attic and under your home (peir and frame) prevents moisture build up which encourages harmful mold, mildew and wood rot. The movement of air in your attic keeps your house healthy and breathing. -
Step 7
Don't forget to check the insulation around skylights, kitchen exhauses and animal doors. Check fireplace flues for proper sealing and drafts, repair if necessary.
Hopefully these hints will make for a warmer, energy and money conserving winter for your and your family.
Comments
tgail said
on 10/25/2009 great tips on insulation ideas thanks for the info 5*and rec