How Airtight is Your Home?

Not having an air tight home can be one of the biggest drains on utility bills. During the winter and summer, the unnecessary air flow can cause heaters and air conditioners to overwork. Don't toss that money in the breeze (the one going through your house) and try these tips to make sure your house is airtight!

1. Caulk and weather-strip doors and windows

2. Caulk and seal air leaks where plumbing, ducting, or electrical wiring comes through walls, floors, ceilings, and soffits over cabinets.

3. Put in foam gaskets behind outlets.

4. Kitchen exhaust fan should be covered to stop air leaks when not in use.

5. Replace door bottoms and threshold's sealing gaskets.

6. Seal air leaks around fireplace chimneys, furnaces, and gas-fired water heater vents with fire-resistant materials such as sheet metal or sheetrock and furnace cement caulk.

Making sure these possible problem areas are sealed and secured will help warm your home and your heart knowing you aren't wasting money anymore.