Ways To Sustain

Reducing heat loss through common sources of air leakage may not seem like it would amount to much but all those little things can really add up.  I’m seen some reports suggest that if you add up all these sources their combined energy loss is equivalent to leaving a small window open all winter.  This is not to suggest that fresh air isn’t a good thing, you want to have fresh air but you also don’t want to be throwing money out the window.  Newer homes will have ventilation systems that will be supplying fresh air, and older homes you would be focusing on eliminating excessive heat loss.

Here are a few steps you can follow to help reduce the air leaks in your home.

1.    Air leaks detection
The best time to detect air leakage is during a cool windy day.  You want to create a pressure difference so run all of your exhaust fans and furnace will help.  Next you’ll need a method for detecting the draft.  I’ve heard the following suggestion:

• Smoke from a burning incense stick
• “Smoke pencil”
• Tissue
• Other commercially available product for air leaks, commonly smoke producing

Any of these methods will require you to move your draft indicator around common sources of air leaks resulting in energy loss.

2.    Finding sources of energy loss and possible solutions
There are a number of sources of energy loss in the home that can be detected with a draft indicator.  Here is a list of the common energy loss sources and possible solutions that can be taken.

Windows
Check caulking around the frame
Inspect unit to see if replacement is needed from damage (weathering) or mechanical adjustments
Check the Sash for replacement of weatherstripping

Doors
Check caulking around the frame
Check the bottom of outside doors to see if weatherstriping needs to be replaced and if need use a draft pillow (draft snake)

Vents used in kitchen, bathroom, dryer, etc
Caulk around outside edge of vent
Check functioning of vent flaps and clear blockage or replace as needed

Outlets and switches
Install insulation gaskets behind face plates
Use safety plugs in outlets that are not used

Electrical cables, TV cable, outside faucet
Caulk around cable of faucet the lead into the house

Fireplace
Check damper to ensure for a proper seal
Install a glass door
Install a chimney plug such as a balloon draft plug

3.    Other energy savings measures
Savings on heating bills can be done at a low cost by eliminating drafts but there are other things that can be done which will help with energy savings.

• Use of a storm door. This will allow for some draft prevention so the front door is taking the full exposure to the outside elements (wind, snow, etc)
• Shrink wrap windows
• Use of storm windows