Was your home drafty last winter? Are you concerned about keeping your heating bill low? Are you looking for a quick weekend project before it gets too cold?
Weatherize your home this weekend to keep the cold out and the warmth in. It’s getting colder outside since October hit. Follow these simple steps to weatherize drafty windows and doors to DIY weatherize your home.
DIY WEATHERIZE DRAFTY WINDOWS AND DOORS IN DELAWARE
Weatherizing drafty windows and doors is a beginner’s DIY dream. It only takes a few hours and requires only a few tools. Before you get started, make sure you have the right tools. You’ll need caulk and a caulk gun.
STEP 1: CHECK FOR CRACKS CAUSING DRAFTY DOORS AND WINDOWS
Check for cracks around your windows and doors. These cracks may be allowing air in and causing drafty cold winters. Cracks also allow heat to escape. These factors combined force you to spend more money on heating each year.
Older homes tend to have more cracks, but make sure you check both new and old homes for cracks to keep your energy bills low. To locate cracks, try a visual inspection. You can also try this method:
- Turn off your A/C unit and close all the doors and windows in your home.
- Turn on all bath fans and stove vents.
- Light a stick of incense and pass it along the edges of your doors and windows from the outside of your home.
- Wherever the smoke is sucked into your home, there’s a leak.
STEP 2: REPAIRING CRACKS WITH CAULK
After you have located the source of the leaks, it’s time to fill the cracks using the caulk and caulk gun.
Start by loading the caulk gun and open the caulk tube. Then, hold the caulk gun at a 45-degree angle and squeeze the trigger. Make sure the caulk fills the crack completely with a generous amount. Spreading the caulk too thin could result in more cracks in the wall.
After you’ve filled the crack, you’ll need to smooth the caulk. This is a simple process. While the caulk is still wet, simply run your finger along the strip. Don’t push too hard, you’re only smoothing it down to ensure equal coverage.
If you have any questions, make sure to consult a professional.
GET AN HVAC TUNE-UP
If you’re really concerned about keeping your heating bills low, get an HVAC tune-up from the professionals at First Class HVAC. A well-tuned HVAC or heating unit will be more energy efficient.
Regular maintenance can also prevent costly repairs down the road. Protect yourself, your home, and your wallet with regular service on your HVAC systems.
Find more tricks to keep your heating bill low.