When winter approaches most people start to think about the upcoming increase in utility bills and ways they can insulate their homes to keep the inside. Many older homes have little insulation in the outside walls, allowing heat to escape as well as some newer homes that allow to heat to leave the home through cracks they may not think exist.
Windows are the most obvious sources of heat loss since most glass is not insulated. Even double and triple pane glass can allow heat to escape; most of the heat loss will be through cracks where the window is connected to the outside wall. Correcting this type of heat loss can be an extensive as well as labor-intensive endeavor; we’ll look at ways to get your home ready for winter in more cost-effective ways.
Heavier curtains or drapes can help keep the heat from escaping through the glass in windows. They can also help keep heat from the sun from heating the inside of the home, much like a magnifying glass in the sun, during the summer cooling season.
During a windy day, place your hand near an electric outlet that is located on an exterior wall. You will likely feel the wind, indicating a means of escape for the heat. There are insulating devices designed to seal the outlet that are easy to install. Simply by removing the outlet cover, placing the insulation over the outlet and replacing the cover can close that door to the heat.
Foam tape can be cut and placed on doors to seal the frame and keep wind and cold outside where it belongs. When using foam tape, remember the door has four sides. Many forget about the hinged side of the door and the area around the door knob. The area may seem small compared to the size of the door, but many small openings can add up quickly to increase the cost of heating your home.
You can also use the foam tape to seal the bottoms of windows to slow the heat trying to get out of the house. The tape is available in many different widths and thickness and you will need to pick to one right for installation. Too small will not provide the needed insulation and too big can make the window or door difficult to close.
Another popular method of insulating windows is the use of plastic to slow the wind coming into the house. Typically, the plastic is installed inside the window and can be made clear by using a hair dryer to stretch the plastic tight. It is held in place by two-sided tape placed on the window frame, wood or metal, and the plastic then set on top of the plastic.
The tape will not stay in place if the window frame is not clean. Using alcohol pads to clean any dirt and grime from the frame before using the tape, or else it will likely come loose quickly. Many manufacturers of this shrinkable plastic will include small alcohol pads in their installation kits, but you will want to use isopropyl alcohol and a small rag to insure you get the window completely clean.
If you have a fireplace, make sure the damper is in good working condition. When not is use, the damper needs to be closed to keep the heat inside. When you light a fire make sure the damper is open!
