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Repairing or
adding caulking and weather stripping is a simple and inexpensive
way to improve the energy efficiency of your home. By reducing air
leakage, you will reduce your energy costs, make your home more
comfortable, and help improve the environment.
Weather
stripping
Use weather
stripping where one surface moves relative to another. Felt and
foam are commonly used, however rubber is more effective at
keeping the heat in and it lasts longer. Apply weather stripping
to:
-
Doors
-
Windows
-
Attic hatches
Caulking
Caulking
prevents warm air from escaping into cavities in the walls and
roof, and reduces the risk of moisture damage. Apply caulking
inside your home to seal spaces, cracks and holes around:
-
Dryer vents
-
Bathroom fans
-
Plumbing
vents
-
Spaces where
floor joists meet the tops of basement walls
-
Spaces where
walls meet the floor
-
Air
conditioning units/vents
-
Kitchen range
hood
-
Windows,
doors and baseboards (If you’re planning to paint, first remove
window trim or baseboards and seal the walls behind them. If
possible, expose the window and door framing and seal any cracks
and holes)
Use caulking
outside to seal around:
-
Fireplace
chimney
-
Openings for
services such as water, telephone, cable and gas lines, as well
as electrical feeds and outlets
-
Furnace air
intake and exhaust
When choosing
among the many types of caulking and weather stripping on the
market, remember cheaper brands may need replacing more often. To
save yourself time and money in the long run, talk to your
building supplier before picking a product, and follow the
manufacturers' instructions.
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