Save Energy, Save Money, Live Better!
One of the most challenging problems for homeowners is with the placement of a heat register, radiator or other heat source under or near a window. The problem is compounded with every degree the temperature plummets outside. Understanding the problem To figure out how to fix the problems, we have to understand what is going […]
An energy audit is the single best way for you to realistically save money every month on all your energy bills. Energy efficiency experts and contractors and energy companies have known this for a long time. That is why they offer them, often at a premium price or bundled with another service or installation. But […]
This one puzzles the heck out of me. We’ve talked about how a lot of heat escapes through the windows. Heat vents blow heat into a room. Why then, would anyone place a heat vent directly under a window? Argh! A lot of heat will be wasted, and the room will always feel colder than […]
Unfortunately, there is some bad news that comes along with sealing windows, walls, and doors that may leak. That something is air pollution or contamination within the home. By sealing cracks, you’re saving heat but also giving pollutants less opportunity to escape your home. Carbon Monoxide, an odorless, colorless and very poisonous gas can also […]
Insulated foam tape is a nice alternative if you have a gap at the top of bottom of a sliding window. If you have a side sliding window, then the left and right of the window are well suited for foam tape. The foam provides insulation or a buffer so cold air can not enter […]
If you don’t want to deal with caulk, or perhaps you’re uncomfortable with the installation, rope caulk may be for you. Rope caulk is also an excellent choice for temporary uses or where gaps are very small and it may not be worth caulking. In fact if you want to patch small gaps between the […]
Caulking is a great, quick and efficient way of plugging holes around windows. In fact, if you buy the correct caulk for the situation it can plug up nearly anything! Caulking is one of those repairs that will save you money year round, no matter what the season. It forms a nice, tight seal around […]
If you have particularly drafty windows or just want to improve the overall insulation of the window quickly and easily, install insulated plastic. This is recommended generally for windows with leaks you can’t seem to find or are having trouble repairing. Of course the optimal solution would be to replace the window eventually, but right […]
Whether you are planning to live “off the grid†and free yourself from energy bills or just “kick back†and enjoy lower energy bills, the first step is always to understand your home’s energy usage and employ good old fashioned energy conservation techniques. The reason for this is simple – you can not be charged […]
Okay, yeah, simple repairs are great because anyone can do them. You don’t have to hire a contractor to caulk your window, or find and seal simple gaps. You don’t need to spend hundreds for replacing your furnace filter. In fact, there are a lot of advantages to simple repairing. But one to me stands […]