As the weather gets colder, it becomes increasingly important to learn how to keep the warm air in and the cold air out. Not only will this improve the overall comfort of your home, it will also help control your monthly energy bills. Here are a few easy draft-prevention techniques for you to follow:
Check Your Home for Drafts
Before you take care of any draft problems around your home, the first thing you must obviously do is locate them. This can be done by running your hand around the edges of doors, windows, electrical outlets, etc. Also, listen for any whistling or whooshing sounds when the wind is blowing outside. If you need help, you can hire a professional technician to perform a blower-door test to identify any issues.
Seal Air Leaks Around the House
The next step is to seal any air leaks that you find around your home. Depending on the size and location of the leak, you'll need to choose between weather stripping, spray foam, and caulking to fix the problem areas. Keep in mind that the areas mentioned above, especially around the edges of your doors and windows, are the most common spots.
Check Air Ducts for Any Damage
After years of use, your ducts may show signs of damage such as holes, tears, and damaged joints. Smaller tears and holes can be effectively sealed by mastic sealant, while larger problems (more than 1/4") should be sealed up with duct tape.
Add Insulation Where It's Needed
If any rooms don't have enough insulation, then it's a lot harder to keep your home warm, because the heat will quickly leak out. Adding insulation isn't difficult, but a qualified technician can help you if you need assistance.
Learning how to keep the warm air in and the cold air out during the winter season will help you improve your household's overall comfort and reduce your energy bills. For more expert advice on draft prevention or any other HVAC-related topic, the technicians at Air Assurance can assist you. We've been servicing the needs of Broken Arrow and the surrounding area since 1985.