Caulking and Weatherstripping – Improve Indoor Air Quality
I was browsing back through some of our earlier blogs. The list of things to do to get our homes “cooler weather ready” stuck out to me. It may not feel so much like cooler weather is on the way right now. But, that might just be the time to think about preparing for it. One of the items that stuck out to me the most was the directive to check for air leaks and utilize caulk and/or weatherstripping.
Honestly, until I’m sitting by a door or window and it is chilly outside but I’m beginning to feel chilly inside, I don’t give caulking and weatherstripping much thought. Which is why I’m bringing it up now.
So the first step in determining if you need to make use of the caulk or weatherstripping is to check your home for air leaks. The U.S. Department of Energy tells us that “reducing the amount of air that leaks in and out of your home is a cost-effective way to cut heating and cooling costs, improve durability, increase comfort, and create a healthier indoor environment.” They also provide us with a list of places to look for those pesky air leaks:
“VISUAL INSPECTION
On the outside of your house, inspect all areas where two different building materials meet, including:
- All exterior corners
- Outdoor water faucets
- Where siding and chimneys meet
- Areas where the foundation and the bottom of exterior brick or siding meet.
Inside your home, inspect around the following areas for any cracks and gaps that could cause air leaks:
- Electrical outlets
- Switch plates
- Door and window frames
- Electrical and gas service entrances
- Baseboards
- Weather stripping around doors
- Fireplace dampers
- Attic hatches
- Wall- or window-mounted air conditioners.
- Cable TV and phone lines
- Where dryer vents pass through walls
- Vents and fans.”
Source: http://energy.gov/energysaver/air-sealing-your-home
Once you’ve determined where your air leaks occur you can seal them up with either caulk or weatherstripping which ever is deemed appropriate. Now, before it gets to cool out, is a good time to check it all out and get it taken care of. This way you will be comfortable, save money, and feel good about the air you are breathing while you are enjoying your family and football or whatever you like to do indoors. Hope this gets you thinking and hopefully doing.
As always, if Mr. B’s can help further improve your indoor air quality with duct cleaning or an air purification system, please visit our site or give us a call today.
Mr. B’s Air Duct Cleaning
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615-244-1785
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