If your air condition ran all summer long but you were still overheating, or your heat has been running nonstop during winter, but your house still seems drafty, you could have an insulation issue. In general, the older your house, the lower insulation it has. You may obtain a good return on investment after only a few years by insulating five crucial places. But, more significantly, once your house is properly insulated, you will be warm and comfortable throughout winter.
Let’s look at the five best areas around your home to insulate.
Doors
Insulating beneath your external doors is a simple technique to keep warm air from flowing outdoors. Door sweeps and weather stripping are inexpensive and available in a range of colors and configurations at your local hardware. If you currently have a doorway sweep but see some light seeping through, just raising the threshold is a no-cost solution.
Windows
There are several methods for insulating your windows. First, ensure no fractures are surrounding the frame allowing outside air to enter. With your hand, feel along the frame’s exterior borders. If you sense a breeze, you must repair the gap. Patch the area with sealer or putty.
Next, determine whether your windows are single or double-paned. If so, you should seriously consider replacing them with double or triple-paned glass. To improve housing insulation, double or triple-paned glass is parted by a gas-filled void or vacuum. Another advantage to think about when considering whether or a window installation is worth it is that a stronger window provides a greater sound barrier.
Finally, you can insulate your windows simply by decorating. You can prevent cold air from entering your home and your warm inside air from cooling down by placing shades and drapes over your windows.
Attic
Insulating your attic is one of the simplest methods to keep your home warm throughout the winter. According to the Energy Department, a properly insulated attic may help you cut 10-50 percent on your heating expense. Insulating an attic takes little time and is quite affordable. All you need are a few strips of insulation and a few days to set them out.
Plumbing Flaws
Unsealed pipework is a frequently ignored cause of heat leakage. Fill any gaps between the plumbing and the walls, floor, and ceiling using a silicone sealer. You should also consider insulating the pipes themselves, preventing heat loss as the water travels from the water tank to your faucets or showerheads, and ensuring your pipes stay protected from the cold as the temperature drops.
Hot Water Tank
Insulating your water heater is a lesser-known option to conserve energy. If you have a modern hot water tank, it is likely that it has already been insulated. If your heater is older, though, you must check to determine if it has insulation. Wrapping an insulation blanket across an un-insulated tank can minimize energy loss by 25-45 %, saving you 7-16% on water heating expenses.
Regardless of the heating system you have, maintaining pleasant temperatures all year round in a well-insulated home would be easier and less expensive. Although it could not be time to upgrade your heater just yet, it is always a great time to increase the energy efficiency of your home.