As we mentioned in the previous post on the home energy blog, weatherization is one of the top set of tasks a homeowner can have done to increase the overall efficiency and performance of a home. Below is part two in our weatherization tips blog series. If you have any questions or need help with any of the following tasks, don’t hesitate to reach out to the professionals here at BelRed.
· Insulate and seal all recessed lighting. Recessed lighting, also referred to as can lights, often are big culprits when it comes to conditioned air leaking into unconditioned areas such as the attic. As air escapes, energy is wasted and your heating and cooling system is forced to work much harder than normal in order to keep your home comfortable. Properly sealing these can lights will help stop these leaks. Always remember to use caution when doing work around electric units such as lighting fixtures.
· Replace old windows. While it may be expensive, replacing old windows with new, more efficient windows is one of the most effective ways to increase the comfort and performance of your home. Old, drafty windows cause a great deal of energy loss regardless of the season. The difference in window performance from old to new can be extremely great. If you aren’t ready to make a big investment and replace your windows, there are some other options. At BelRed, we offer the very effective alternative to full window replacement—Indow Windows. These window inserts provide many of the benefits of brand new windows at a fraction of the cost of full replacement.
· Install or replace dampers on exhaust ducts. When an oven exhaust fan or clothes dryer is not in use, a common culprit of outside air entering the home is through the ducts leading from these appliances to the exterior of the home. By ensuring the damper on the end of these ducts are new or performing properly, you can be sure this outside air is not entering the home when they are not in use.
· Protect the home from water. Both surface water and ground water can cause major problems for a home. Not only can they immediately damage items in the home, they can also lead to mold and health issues for you and your loved ones. Make sure all drains in and around the home aren’t blocked and are working properly. If you have a sump pump in the basement, regularly test it to make sure it is functioning properly. Other steps, such as regularly cleaning gutters and downspout extensions can also help avoid water issues.
As we’ve mentioned in this post, whole-house weatherization will help keep your home performing at its top potential. Contact BelRed today.
