Fixing air leaks. Not as glamorous as purchasing a brand new, energy saving appliance or as progressive as installing solar panels, but this simple fix is one of the most effective ways to improve your home's energy efficiency without spending a lot of money. In the average home, one-third to one-half of the fuel bill results from air exchange. Simply investing in caulking and weather stripping and applying it to the leaks around windows and doors can save you 10 percent on your utility bill right of the bat.
If you're unsure where those air leaks might be, the U.S. Department of Energy has some easy tips on how to seek them out. Try holding a lit candle next to windows, doors, electrical outlets, or light fixtures on a windy day to see how the flame reacts. Another method is to tape clear plastic sheeting along the inside of your window frames to test for drafts or water condensation. You may be surprised at the results of either test.
Other areas susceptible to air infiltration are loose faucets, gaps around chimneys, utility cut-throughs for pipes, gaps along baseboards, mail chutes, cracks in bricks or siding, foundation areas, and areas where wiring, lines, or pipes enter the house. Basically, anywhere your home lends access to the outdoors. Heating and cooling ducts lose an average of one fifth of the air that flows through the HVAC system, but using duct sealant reduces this loss significantly. Finding hidden holes in basements, attics, and crawlspaces will be harder to find, so hiring a heating and cooling installation contractor for these areas might be your best bet.
Even if you have proper insulation installed in your attic and walls, it won't block all the air coming in from leaks. Sealing air leaks is critical to getting the best performance out of your insulation, which lowers your energy bills during the year's hottest and coldest months. According to Energy Star, a knowledgeable homeowner or skilled contractor can save up to 20 percent through a combination of both effective sealing and insulating.
Window selection
Since energy efficient windows can reduce heat loss by 25 to 50 percent, here are some recommendations specific to these spaces. While most windows are designed to open for ventilation, they should all have the capacity to keep the outdoors out once they're closed.
To prevent additional air from penetrating through windows, seal gaps and cracks around the frame with caulking or weather stripping. Use heavier curtains to retain more heat in the winter and use reflective films or solar screens to help reduce solar gain in the summer. Light colored shades and blinds also help reflect heat away from the indoors on hot days.
If it's time to replace your windows, remember that professional installation can help ensure that new windows are installed without air leaks. Energy efficient windows are typically double paned, with a low-emissivity coating. High performing windows can also be certified by the National Fenestration Rating Council. As a general rule, windows with lower U values insulate more effectively. For colder climates, a U value of .35 or lower is recommended.
