About half of every energy dollar you spend goes to heating your home. You certainly don't want that money leaving through cracks and windows. Insulation and draft proofing can make your home more comfortable and quiet, while saving energy and reducing heating costs by 5-10 per cent.
Up to one third of the heat in your home can escape through windows. You can help stop this by installing:
- Storm windows or plastic sheeting on single-glazed windows.
- Energy-efficient windows. These windows undergo extensive testing to ensure they reduce heat loss and are higher quality than standard code windows.
- Windows with low-e coating or argon fill.
You can also prevent heat from escaping through cracks by improving the insulation in your home:
- Use insulated exterior doors, not hollow ones.
- Caulk between the doorframe and the wall to seal gaps and holes around non-opening windows, electrical outlets, water pipes and vents.
- Use weather-stripping to seal door openings and windows.
- Insulate floors, walls, crawlspaces, basements and attics.
- Use a dehumidifier to maintain the right humidity level.
- Ensure you have a well-functioning ventilation system to maintain proper moisture levels and air quality, particularly if you have tightened the house with draft proofing.