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 Back to Insulation and Weatherization
Air leakage is resposible for the greatest amount of heat loss from your home. In fact, it can add up to 30 to 40% on your heating bill. What's more, this heat loss through tiny holes and cracks in your home is increased by wind, the temperature difference between your home and the outdoors, and the operation of mechanical systems in your home, including dryer's exhausts and furnacess.
However, with some simple do-it-yourself caulking and weatherstripping, you can seal up those leaks and keep 5 to 15% of that "lost heat" inside your home. That's a direct energy and cost svagins to you.
Check for air leaks by looking for cracks and feeling for drafts on a cold or windy day. Then seal them up. Check sill plates, ceiling penetrations - such as light fixtures, ceiling fans, plumbing stacks - windows, wood burnig fireplaces, exterior doors, pipe and wire entrances, attic hatches, and electrical outlets as well as switches for air leaks and seal them up.
For more information on air sealing and creating a "home envelope" visit www.energystar.gov.
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Air Sealing
