Sometimes when warmer weather is upon us, we tend to overlook important steps we should take to make our homes more energy efficient and help them perform at a higher level. Many homeowners tend to associate things like upgrading insulation and air sealing the home with colder months, especially if they don’t often use air conditioning in their homes during the summer.
The truth is, taking steps to ensure your home is most efficient is just as important in the summer as it is in the winter. Plus, it’s often easier to make these improvements while it’s nice out to prepare for colder months rather than waiting and trying to do it in the freezing cold. One such step that can lead to a more efficient overall home is weatherstripping.
Proper weatherstripping in your home is one of the best ways to save energy and money on both your heating and cooling related energy bills. Sealing your home using these effective materials will greatly reduce or eliminate the amount of wasted conditioned air escaping your home. Even better, weatherstripping materials are typically very cheap, making this an affordable home performance upgrade for almost anyone.
When choosing material for your weatherstripping project, it’s important to pick a material that will withstand a great deal of friction, weather changes and general wear and tear—especially on doors. Vinyl and metals tend to be best for the job and will typically last the longest. Try to stay away from felt and open-cell foams for these projects. While they may be cheap, they are also fairly ineffective when it comes to blocking airflow and can quickly break down very quickly. It’s absolutely better to pay a little bit more up front for good materials that will last. The Department of Energy has a great guide for recommendations on different types of weatherstripping materials.
Once you have chosen your materials, it’s also important to use proper installation techniques on your doors and windows. It’s important not to rush through the process of installation. Taking your time will mean a job well done and will ensure you don’t have to correct any mistakes down the road. When installing weatherstripping, it’s important to make sure the temperature is above 20 degrees Fahrenheit (another good reason not to wait until the cold winter months). For doors, make sure the surfaces on which you’ll apply the weatherstripping are extremely clean. Apply the material to the entire door jamb using one continuous strip. Make sure the materials meet tightly at the corners to avoid any leaks. The weatherstripping should be compressed when the door is shut, but it should not be so thick that the door is hard to shut. The same installation steps should be taken for windows. It’s important to remember that weatherstripping shouldn’t interfere with the operation of the window, so make sure the materials you’re using are correct for the job.
Taking care of these energy saving upgrades in the warmer months will not only lead to more comfort in your home, it will also lead to more comfort while executing the job. As always, if you’d like help determining the most effective steps to a home with high-energy performance, contact us at BelRed today!
