By Mark J. Donovan
If there are major temperature differences in your home during the winter months there could be a number of factors causing it. Also, if the air in your home feels very dry during the winter months, it is most likely caused by warm moist air exiting your home and cold dry air infiltrating it.
First and foremost check for air leaks around your doors and windows by running your hand around the perimeter of the door and windows frames. If you feel cold air drafts, then install door and window weatherstripping.
Second, check the heating and cooling system. Make sure it is running properly and has been serviced in the past year. Also check the duct work if you have a hot/cold air HVAC system. Improperly working or designed duct work is a leading cause of cold drafts in a home.
Finally, check the insulation in your home. Make sure you have the proper amount of insulation in your home’s floors, walls and attic space as specified by the Department of Energy for your region of the country. In particular check the basement and attic space for air leaks as they are frequently the culprits for a drafty house.
Stop Cold drafts and Dry Air in your Home This Winter
High Energy Bills are often Related to Window and Door Leaks
By Mark J. Donovan
Check your home's exterior doors and windows for cold drafts this fall. Much of the heat loss associated with a home comes from damaged or non-existent door and window weatherstripping. Weatherstripping can lose its resiliency and end up not forming a tight seal up against window sashes and door frames.
If your home's windows are old, consider replacing them with double pane low-E glass windows. Prices on replacement windows varies dramatically, however even the cheapest ones will do a better job of lowering your home energy bills than an old drafty window that does not close or open properly.
See HomeAdditionPlus.com's "Wood Replacement Window Installation" to learn more.
Likewise, if your doors are old, drafty and provide poor insulation R-value consider replacing them as well.