How to Improve Your Home's Energy Efficiency

Finding a way to improve your home energy efficiency can help to save a large amount of your monthly expenditure. If you are able to minimize the air leaking from outside or from inside the house, then you will be able to reduce your energy expenditure for space heating and cooling. Let's go through a few ways to seal leaks to make your home more energy efficient.

1. Sealing cracks between windows and window frames
   Windows are the major leaking sources for most homes. Therefore, you should pay attention to make the windows leak-proof if you want to achieve the best energy efficiency. There are a number of ways to deal with the air leaking through windows, which don't involve a lot of time and money. The simplest option involves using a caulk gun and weather-stripping caulk sealant to seal the cracks between window and window frame. The sealant comes in transparent color that doesn't damage either paint or clear finishes. Many painting contractors also supply sealant products that are higher quality than those found in home improvement stores, and are produced to last. Caulks and sealants are fairly cheap, but getting the cheapest brand does not necessarily solve any problems. You should look for a sealant that is flexible, meaning it is able to withstand temperature changes without cracking or falling out after being applied to the exterior of your home.
2. Install storm windows
   Storm windows are great for energy-saving. They work as a wind buffer to trap the air in between the storms and the prime windows, which works as the insulation to prevent the air leaking. You have options to either install wooden storm windows that need to be taken down in spring or install aluminum or vinyl storms, which can be installed permanently.
3. Replace with weather-stripping doors
   Although preventing the air leaking from windows are important in achieving energy efficiency, doors can play a major part in sealing tightly to keep out drafts. There are a few options for weather-stripping the doors. You can choose to upgrade the existing door's whether-stripping to a more effective type such as the door with vinyl bulb or padded strip set that can seal out the air movement and prevent air from leaking.
   Alternatively, you can install a type of whether-stripping door that has bronze or brass strips. It can be nailed inside the jamb where the door closes. When the door closes and contact the metal strip, it will seal up the door edge and prevent the air from leaking to and from outside.
4. Install door bottoms or door sweeps
   The whether-stripping will prevent the air leaking at the top and the sides of a door, but not at the threshold, another potential air leakage that can affect your home energy efficiency. It is a tough area to address because the thresholds are subject to wear and tear. One of the most effective ways to solve the problem is by installing door bottoms or door sweeps. The door sweeps are attached to the inside of the door at the bottom edge that will seal up the door and prevent air leaking as the door shuts. Alternatively, you can also choose to install adjustable thresholds that fit the same purpose.

Summary
The best way to improve your home energy efficient is to prevent the energy from losses due to leaking problem. The above 4 methods are the basics changes that you can make on your home's doors and windows to stop or minimize the air leaking for your home that will improve your home energy efficiency.

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