Seal and Insulate to Save Money

Cool weather is on its way. Perhaps you are considering purchasing a new furnace or tuning up your old one. What is on everyone’s mind is energy efficiency and saving money. Well the first step in saving money on heating costs is to make sure your home is properly sealed and insulated. Regardless of the condition of your heating system, this will help with your costs and comfort level.It is typical that over time holes, gaps, and cracks happen in a home and allow your heat to escape. Despite the fact that these leaky areas may appear small they can account for alot of energy loss. Also a lack of insulation particularly in an attic accounts for much heat loss as well. This is why it is so important to take care of the leaks before cold weather arrives. Follow the sealing and insulating tips below to make you home more energy efficient before you turn on your heat.
Air Sealing-
It is always a good idea to seal the air leaks before insulating your attic. Insulation works best when there is no air passing through or blowing around it.
Investigate around your windows, doors, electrical outlets, plumbing fixtures, crawl spaces and attic to see if there are any spaces where air can leak.
Use weatherstripping to seal leaks around your doors. Use caulk around your door frames and windows.
Insulatiing-
A good test to determine if you need more insulation in your attic if your floor is uncovered is to see if your insulation is at the same level or lower than the ttic floor joists. If so, you want to install more. Always use insulation with an R-value of at least 38.
These are very simple chores that any homeowner can tackle. It only takes a little effort and the results are big savings and added comfort. Before cold weather sets in, it is also iportant to have your heating system tuned up. Give MTB Heating and Air a call today to schedule your tune up.