Energy Efficiency: Blustery Outdoor Air and Electrical Socket Leaks

When cold weather arrives, there’s nothing worse than running the heat all day and your home barely warming up. If your heater runs all day, and you still find yourself reaching for a parka and hat on the couch, it’s likely your home is not retaining that precious heat. If the blustery outdoor air is finding its way indoors this winter, here are some things you can do.

Check your window seals

If you’re feeling cold drafts coming from your windows, it may mean your window seals are compromised. Window seals can fail as a result of age as well as damage caused by temperature changes, sun exposure, and moisture. The professionals at Champion Windows can let you know if your seals can be repaired or if you’d best benefit from replacing your windows altogether.

Replace old doors

When the seals and weather stripping on doors wear out, the cold air that gets in can make it difficult to keep your home warm. Just as cold air can get in through these compromised elements, heat can escape your house. With the high cost of heating your home, that’s money out the door. If it’s time to replace your drafty old doors, connect with the experts at The Glass Guru to learn about your options.

Invest in insulated window treatments

If you’re having trouble with cold drafts and heating your home, insulated window treatments can help. On one side, the insulated window treatments prevent cold drafts from coming through your windows, while on the opposite side, they keep the heat in. Think of insulated window treatments as a shield protecting you from blustery outdoor drafts.

Insulate electrical boxes

Electrical boxes are often overlooked as a source for cold drafts. Because an electrical box is never perfectly airtight, sealing or insulating the point of installation with foam gaskets, caulking, or foam insulation can prevent leaky boxes. The guys at American Electrician can survey and seal all of your leaky electrical boxes before the cold winter weather arrives.

Replace your chimney damper

Another culprit letting cold outdoor air into your home is the chimney. Chimneys are outfitted with a damper, a mechanism that manages airflow in and out of the chimney. If your damper is rusted or damaged, which is apt to happen over time, it could be the source of your cold drafts. If your damper is in good condition, but cold air still gets in, you may want to add a secondary, top-sealing damper.

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