Older homes were never designed to be energy efficient and it is estimated that 30% of total heat lost is through air leaks. New homes may have less of an issue with leaks but should check insulation. One way to test if your home is sufficient, is to use a candle or incense stick on a windy day to determine if there is a draft by windows, doors or other protrusions in your walls or ceilings. If there is, you will see the smoke or light flicker. This is equivalent to having a window slightly open full time in your house – not a good idea during hot summers or cold winters!
Other areas to evaluate for drafts are recessed lights, dropped ceilings, attic hatches, fireplace dampers, and any pipe or wiring penetrations from outside to inside your house. In addition, basements and attics may require expert attention (Amann et al., 2012).
Reducing Drafts: Caulk guns can help to seal ¼ inch holes near window or door joins. Foam sealant expands to cover cracks and gaps greater than ¼ inch, e.g., any external interface: e.g., electric boxes or external pipes. Know that foam sealant (e.g., polyurethane) is better for hidden cracks protected from sunlight and moisture (Amann et al. 2012) and will not apply as attractively as caulk. There are different varieties of caulk, including clear silicone caulk, which cannot be painted over, or various colors of acrylic caulk, which you can paint over. Silicone caulk has better adhesion, durability and flexibility, while a higher-quality acrylic is better for room-visible areas (Harley, 2012). Select a caulk that is likely to wear for at least 20 years.
To use, cut the tip of the caulk bottle to produce the caulk thickness you desire. Recommendation: estimate for a thin layer is best.) A smoothing device can help your caulk job look more professional. The caulk gun above was used on the four edges of the window, to help seal against drafts. The caulk color used here was grey to match the cement used between window tiles. The gun part provides continual pressure to ease caulk out of its tube, as you direct it.
If you feel a draft under your door, this style door blocker can help. They can also be purchased at a hardware store. Also, along the door, you can find insulating foam, or better yet, a v seal or silicone rubber bulb. Apply to top first, then both sides of door (Harley, 2012). Newer homes often have decent door insulation. A more attractive solution is a door sweep, which is a metal bar with rubber strip that is attached to the bottom of the door. The rubber should be cut down to 1/8 shorter than the doorstop (Harley 2012).
Cold or hot air can come in through power or cable lines in your walls. You can get foam insulation for this from a hardware store, to place under the outlet panel.
References
- Harley, Bruce (2012) Insulate and Weatherize for Energy Efficiency at Home. The Taunton Press, Newtown CT.
- Amann, Jennifer Thorne, Wilson, Alex, and Ackerly, Katie (2012) Consumer Guide to Home Energy Savings, 10th edition. New Society Publishers, Gabriola Island, BC Canada.