Repairing Drafty Windows Is The Key To Lower Energy Bills
If you have a draft in the home and your energy bills are skyrocketing, then you're going to want to locate and remedy the problem quickly. After all, no one wants to more on their monthly utility bills than necessary. At the same time, you want to stay warm for the rest of the winter (and cool this summer). So, you need to find the draft and fix it.
Step #1: Identify the Location of the Draft.
The best way to do this is to first go throughout the house and shut all the windows. Make sure they are closed completely. Now, grab some sticky notes and light a candle. You are going to take this candle around with you to each and every window in the house, hold it a few inches away from the window glass, and begin moving it all around the window. If you notice that the flame flickers or bends, then there is a good chance of a draft with that window. The sticky notes will come in handy now, as you will place one on the window where you suspect the leak. Continue this process throughout the remainder of the house with all windows.
Step #2: Identify the Problem and Remedy the Issue.
Once you've located the drafts in the home, you need to fix them. There are numerous ways you can go about this. Some are more expensive than others, while some are only temporary solutions. A few options include:
- Caulking – An affordable option that you can do yourself is to remove the old caulk and apply new caulk. You will want to do this on the inside and outside of the window. Apply caulking where the window casing and window meet as well as where the casing meets the wall or siding.
- Weather-stripping – This is also perfect for do-it-yourselfers on a budget. Weather-stripping comes in metal, plastic, foam or felt at your local hardware store. You will measure the length that you need, cut the strips and install them between the window jamb and sash.
- Draft Snakes – These stuffed tubes can be purchased at the store or you can make your own. To make your own, you will need something that you can fill with rice. You will need some basic sewing skills so that the rice doesn't fall out.
Step #3: Consider Installation of New Windows
When the above fails, you may need to consider new window installation. Modern windows are far more energy efficient, which means that drafts are minimized and that they have tighter seals. For more information, contact Nu-Vue Products or a similar company.
