Weatherizing your home might not be as exciting a project as new landscaping or a fresh coat of paint, but making your home more energy-efficient can have just as many benefits. From saving money to having a more comfortable living space, it's worth considering which weatherization projects make sense for your home.
Here are four types of projects to consider:
Air Sealing
According to the Department of Energy, air sealing your home is "a cost-effective way to cut heating and cooling costs, improve durability, increase comfort, and create a healthier indoor environment". Air sealing can be as simple as installing weatherstripping on exterior doors, or as intensive as replacing windows. Air loss can even happen through electrical outlets and switch plates, and there are a variety of DIY products on the market to tackle those leaks.
Insulation
Insulation reduces the loss of warm or cool air by slowing down heat flow. Since heating and cooling can be expensive, it makes sense to insulate wherever you can, with the right materials. A qualified professional can check out your existing insulation and recommend where to add more or replace existing materials.
Smart Temperature Control
Installing (and making the best use of) a programmable thermostat is another way to boost energy efficiency. You don't need to heat or cool the whole house when no one's home, and a smart thermostat allows you to control your heating and cooling by time of day or sometimes even room by room.
Insulate Water Heater and Pipes
Heat loss isn't limited to the air in your home - your hot water loses heat as it sits in the water heater or travels through pipes. Insulating hot water pipes or even the water heater itself is a relatively simple process that can save energy and money. Insulating blankets and pipe covers are available at home improvement stores.
Take a look around your home (and at your energy bills), and find the spots where weatherization can save you energy and money, as well as leave you with a more comfortable home.
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