Caulk Your Home for Better Performance and Lower Bills
Energy-saving measures take many forms, and your home’s performance can be enhanced by both professional and DIY activities related to limiting energy loss. According to Energy Star, you can save up to 10 percent on your home heating and cooling costs by doing some simple air sealing work. A combination of sealing air leaks with caulk and supplementing your attic insulation can lead to lower energy bills and better home comfort levels throughout the year.
Tips for Sealing Air Leaks with Caulk
There are various options in caulking materials. If you are doing touch-up work, you may only need a small amount of the material. However, if you are re-doing the caulking throughout your home, you will want to invest in a caulking gun and large tubes of the product you plan to use. Traditional white caulk isn’t your only option. You’ll find that there are clear products available that can accommodate your air sealing needs without affecting your decor.
Old caulk can become brittle in time, and you may want to remove it with a razor knife to complete fresh sealing. You can also fill in small gaps if the majority of your existing material is intact. After applying your caulk, you can smooth it in to completely fill leaky spots. Dip your finger in a little bit of dish soap so that you can smooth the caulk without it sticking to your flesh. This will allow for a neater finish as well.
Weather Stripping
Drafty areas around doors may require weather stripping to prevent energy loss. You can stock up on a small supply of material to update areas as needed. If your existing material seems to have dried and cracked, you can complete a whole-home update.
Insulation Update
Supplemental insulation can improve your home’s energy performance as well. It’s important to work with an expert who can recommend the appropriate amount of material. If you have HVAC equipment or electrical fixtures in your attic, it’s important to keep insulation away from these components. You may want to enlist the help of a professional to ensure that your upgrade is safe and efficient.
Consider Having an Energy Audit
If you are concerned about excessive energy bills, you can work with an HVAC contractor to have your home’s performance evaluated. Issues like air leaks will be identified. Additionally, equipment performance will be surveyed. Your contractor can provide strategies and solutions for lower energy bills.
Don’t Forget Indoor Air Quality
As you complete your air sealing project, it’s important to realize that natural ventilation can be affected. If you notice stale or stuffy air, you may need to think about updating your home’s ventilation system as well. Additionally, the operation of combustion equipment like a fireplace or gas furnace can affect your home’s safety if ventilation isn’t adequate. A comprehensive approach to energy efficiency and indoor air quality will ensure that your system is operating safely.
The professionals at Riley Heating & Air Conditioning are available for a variety of HVAC needs in your Columbus, GA, home. We can evaluate issues affecting your energy performance. We also offer seasonal maintenance to ensure that your equipment operates properly, another key step in achieving lower energy bills. Contact our customer service department at 334-298-1278 to schedule your appointment or to get more information.