This has been a very hot summer in my area, and it seems like the air conditioner is kicking on every fifteen minutes or so, increasing my electric bill significantly. No doubt, it is time to make sure your home is as energy efficient as it can be and seal up gaps in your home. Winter is a prime time of the year to do this, as it is easy to feel with your hand any cold air that may be entering in unwanted areas, so if you missed taking care of that earlier this year, it makes it a little tricky now that we are in the warmer months. With the typical family wasting upwards of $350 per year in air leaks into our out of your home, if you want your gas bill to lower in the winter and electric in the summer, now is as good of time as any to do the most cost-effective approach: do it yourself.
Caulk around Windows and Doors
Double check each window, inside and out, to make sure there are no cracks, and re-caulk around any windows and doors in need. Replace any doors that lead to the outside that may be in need of an upgrade, whether it is a front door or a door that leads to the garage. Make sure it is a tight fit between the ground and bottom of the door to ensure no excess air escapes.
Gaps to the Outside
If you have any lines from the outside coming in, whether it is cable, or electric, this would be a good time to check to make sure there are no gaps leading to the outside. Take the outlet cover’s off on the inside and add insulation if necessary. Check around any water lines, as I had recently discovered bees were getting in, so I used foam insulation spray to make sure there was no room to enter.
Time to go in the Attic
If you have not been up to your attic in a while, this may be the opportunity. As the hottest place in your house, you will want to make sure that no additional air is coming in or out. Make sure there is ample amount of insulation on the floor between the attic and living space, to ensure that air is trapped up there.