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Weatherizing: One Of The Best Bang For The Buck Ways To Cut Your Energy Bills (Part 2 of 2)

Posting Date: October 11, 2017
Posted by: Rusty Herd, Branch Manager of Georgetown, TX

In Part One of this post, we discussed some of the great (and economical) benefits of weatherizing your home.

In Part II, we’ll go over some of the most effective weatherization measures you can install in and around your home.

Checklist of weatherization measures

Around windows and exterior doors

  • Replace broken glass and re-seal loose window panes
  • Re-caulk window and door frames
  • Weatherstrip exterior-facing doors and install door sweeps
  • Seal windows with weatherstripping or caulk
  • Consider installing storm windows to block drafts from single pane windows. If budget doesn’t allow, apply inexpensive window film on the interior side

In the attic

  • Install weatherstripping around the outer edge of the attic door
  • If you have a chimney, minimize gaps around it with a high temperature sealant and metal flashing
  • Caulk around plumbing vents
  • Install expandable foam or fiberglass insulation along walls between the attic and living spaces
  • In the basement
  • Install expandable foam or fiberglass insulation along walls between the basement and living spaces
  • Seal and insulate ductwork
  • Caulk or weatherstrip around basement window frames
  • Seal holes and gaps in and around foundation walls using caulk (or foam sealant to fill in larger areas)

In living areas

  • Install foam gaskets behind electrical plate covers along exterior walls
  • Seal gaps between floors and exterior walls
  • If you have a wood-burning fireplace, make sure the flue is closed when it’s not in use. If the fireplace is no longer operable, consider installing a chimney balloon in the flue to save energy

Outside your house

  • Use caulk and expandable foam to seal gaps within the home’s exterior shell. Be sure to seal around any gas, plumbing, electrical and water lines, as well as any HVAC openings.
  • Caulk around all door and window frames.
  • Make sure the dryer vent cover closes properly; replace if needed
  • Use caulk and foam sealant to stop fill any gaps between the home’s foundation and the wooden rim joist

Looking for more ways to save energy? Contact Broward today for expert advice on high-efficiency upgrades for your home comfort equipment!