|
|
|
| |
| Thank you for your email and follow-up. I am in the process of selecting one of the several contractors I have spoken with. Without a doubt, the service you provide in his area is second to none. Again, I thank you and will let you know the final outcome once the project is completed. |
Regards,
Homeowner in
Accokeek, Maryland |
| |
 |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
With the recent hikes in the price of fuel home heating is getting very costly. Even when the price of oil comes down the heating companies are in no great hurry to lower their prices. And it is almost certain these sellers of fuel will keep their “cap prices” high. The “cap” is the insurance that many companies offer to put a ceiling on the homeowner's fuel for a fixed premium, usually about $50.
There is an old saying, “It's not how much you make, it's how much you don't spend,” and this has never been truer than for heating a home. This is because most homes built before the R-2000 specifications began to be followed are woefully short of insulation, especially in places like the attic where it can do the most good because heat rises. In addition, most of these homeowners do not realize that their homes have enough small leaks that, if all put together, would be the size of a basketball. This means cold drafts are blowing in at an amazing rate.
Insulation
 |
The best way to save money is to winterize the home and this begins with checking the attic. The new insulation standards recommend that the attic should have a minimum of R-40+. R-value is the measure of resistance for keeping heat from leaving the home. Each material has a different vale. For example, fiberglass batt insulation is rated around R-3 per inch so that it would take about 14 inches of this material to reach the recommended heat protection. Blown insulation has roughly the same protection but it seals better than the fiberglass batts because these have seams and, if improperly placed, can provide creases for heat to escape. |
| And unlike the irritating properties of fiberglass cellulose insulation is made from recycled newspapers which is not as harmful when installing. However, with all types of insulation proper clothing and face protection should be used to avoid the dust and other particles from getting into the eyes and breathing passages. |
Windows
| In most cases windows are the biggest killers of heat in the home. The reason for this is that a pane of glass conducts heat almost as well as metal. Even doubling the panes doesn't do much. Inside the window small convection currents speed up the transfer of heated air to the outside. Manufacturers have countered this mini-weather system by installing a heavy gas like argon or krypton between the panes. In addition, they have increased the windows to three panes and have coated the glass with a low-emissivity coating which reflects heat back into the home. New window systems are using vacuum-sealed panes which further protect from heat loss. |
 |
Weatherstripping
The cheapest way to save energy is by going on a “draft hunt” with weatherstripping material. All windows that will not be opened should be sealed with a removable sealant that goes on like silicone seal. This will stop drafts from any tiny leaks and can be taken out in the spring. Next check the doors with a fan and an extension cord. Have a partner go outside and move the fan around the door seal. If there are leaks in certain spots splice in the weatherstripping. However, if the door is leaking from several spaces remove the old seal and put new weather stripping in.
Window Coverings
Plastic is a thermal break, meaning that it will resist the movement of heat. By putting up plastic window seal with two-way tape a buffer will be formed between the heat in the room and the cold glass. The plastic is tightened to an invisible seal with hot air from a hair dryer.
Outlets
 | The exterior of many homes may have small leaks from ill-fitting materials. These can let in cold air that can enter the wall space. Even if homes have insulation the cold air can, in some cases, find a path to the interior of the home through electrical outlets and switches. Foam outlet protectors are available at the hardware store where packages of child-proof outlet plug stoppers can be purchased. The plastic inserts that prevent kids from sticking knives into an outlet will also prevent cold air from getting inside the home. |
For other information on how to winterize the home, and even cottage and pool winterizing, contact Renovation Experts.
|
| |
| Compare FREE Estimates From TRADE Contractors NOW! |
| |
|
 |
|
|
| |
 |
|
