Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Save On Home Energy Costs, Tips To Winterizing Your Home

> With the winter season quickly approaching, now is the time to think about winterizing our homes against the cold winter weather. Most heat loss in our homes, is lost through the windows and doors of our homes. With these simple tips, your heat won't be going out the window anymore. Winterizing our homes can be done inexpensively and without much effort. It will cut down on high heating costs, and it will save you hundreds of dollars a year.

Windows

The first step to preparing you windows for winter is to replace all worn weather stripping, New weather stripping can be purchased at most stores, it is inexpensive and very easy to replace. To change the weatherstripping from a window, first remove the worn weatherstripping which is generally in the bottom lip of the window. Pull out the worn and weathered strip leaving the gap clean, ready to install the new weatherstrip. Vacuum away any debris that may have accumulated from removing the old strip. Measure the length needed from the new roll of weatherstripping, cut and remove paper coating. Insert stripping into the gap on window, pressing it firmly into place as you go. Once it adheres, close the window to push the weatherstripping fully into place.

The next thing that is needed to be done is to caulk all areas of the windows and sills where cracks are present or where you can feel a draft coming in. Follow the directions on the caulking package and apply the caulk as directed. Allow it to dry completely, it will take the caulk twenty-four hours to cure. Make sure caulk is completely cured before moving on to the next step.

Covering the windows with insulated plastic is the final step to winterizing them. Insulated plastic window kits can be purchased at local home improvement stores. The kits are affordable and contain enough plastic and two- way tape to cover approximately five average sized windows. The kits come in several different sizes, for small, medium and larger windows, and there are also kits for doors.

To prepare the window before covering, clean the molding around the window, and dry it well. When completely dry, apply the two-way tape along the entire outer edge of the window molding. Press it down firmly so that it sticks, then peel away the paper strip. Next place a pre-measured, pre-cut plastic sheet up against the two way tape, apply the plastic across the window as smoothly, evenly and as tightly as possible. Once the plastic is applied over the entire window, smooth out any creases or wrinkles that may be present. Once finished applying the plastic, use a blow dryer approximately 2 inches away from the plastic, slowly blow the heat back and forth over the plastic to remove any small creases or wrinkles. As the plastic heats it will shrink and tighten into place, creating an airtight seal on the window.

Your windows are now weather proofed for the long winter season, your home will be warmer, less drafty, and less expensive to heat.

Doors

To winterize your doors follow the same tips as for windows, caulk, change weatherstripping on inside of door jamb and at top and bottom of the door. Apply plastic only to doors you will not be using during the winter season, to prevent cold drafts. It is not recommended to cover entrance and exit doors with plastic. Caulking and re weatherstripping your doors will keep the cold air out and your heat in.

Once you have winterized your windows and doors, snuggle up and enjoy a warm, cozy winter.





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