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Save Money This Winter by Sealing Windows, Doors
(NewsUSA) – If you want to save money in the winter months, checking the condition of your home’s windows and doors should be high on your to-do list.
With the average household spending half of its energy dollars on heating and cooling, it pays to plug all the air leaks you find.
Officials with World Energy Solutions (stock symbol: WEGY), an energy services company based in St. Petersburg, Fla., note that homeowners who take such measures also ultimately help reduce air pollution by lessening the demand placed on power companies.
"Homeowners who save an average of $25 on their monthly electric bill will reduce greenhouse gas emissions from their power company by roughly 6,000 pounds per year," said Jeff Stokes, World Energy Solutions vice president.
The first thing to do is to check windows to ensure they are well-sealed, and caulk any small openings along the frames and sills, both inside and out. Also, consider installing door sweeps to block outside air.
Larger openings, such as exterior holes for plumbing and electrical wires, should be sealed with spray foam. Attic doors and hatches are a major source of unwanted cold air, so be sure to carefully apply weather-stripping in those areas.
Another problem area is the seam where basement walls meet the home’s foundation. Any gaps should be caulked to keep unwanted air from entering.
And when it comes time to replace windows and doors, climate is an important consideration.
Energy-efficient windows and doors employ special glazing between the layers of panes to handle the job.
Consumers should consider a window’s U-value, a measure of its insulating ability.
It is also important to find out how much daylight and heat the window lets in. Glazing can be chosen to allow high, moderate or low heat gain. Framing materials have improved, too, offering better insulation than in the past.
The type of window you buy also makes a difference. Casement windows typically provide a tighter seal than double-hung windows.
For information on energy-saving approaches from World Energy Solutions and how the company is helping businesses use energy wisely, visit www.wesinc.net.