by Bruce Pinsler, President, Galaxie Home Remodeling
Q: My home is always cold during the winter months. Can you suggest some simple and inexpensive tips for winterizing my home?
A: If your home is equipped with old fashioned single pane windows, remove the screens and install the storm windows as soon as possible. Upgrading from single pane windows to double pane energy efficient thermal vinyl windows will garner significant energy savings. Up to $1500 in energy tax credits are available until December 31, 2010. If you can't afford to replace your old windows now it would be smart to set aside savings and replace a few windows at a time next year. Consider the clear plastic window insulation kits as a temporary fix. They are very inexpensive and easy to install.
Your home's entry doors are a problem if they are warped, do not fit tightly and leak air around the frame. Consider replacing them with modern steel insulated doors.
To check for air leaks around your doors and windows,
hold a lighted candle a few inches from the frame and slowly move the candle around the frame's perimeter. If the flame flickers, air leaks are present. Some air leaks may be sealed with spray foam insulation or caulk.
Improve your attic insulation to a minimum of R-38 which is the current energy efficient standard. If the "R" values are confusing, simply increase the level of insulation to 12 inches in height. Unfaced (no paper backing) fiberglass insulation can be added on top of existing insulation. You will be rewarded with lower energy bills and a warmer home.
Install an insulation blanket around your hot water tank to save about 10% of water heating costs. A recirculating pump connected to a timer saves money because the water continually circulates through the system. This results in warm water being instantly available, rather than running the faucet for several minutes waiting for the warm water to reach the faucet. A timer can be set for peak usage hours in the morning and evening.
Install a programmable thermostat. The thermostat can be programmed to lower the heat during the day while homeowners are at work and automatically increase the heat at night. No need to keep the house warm when no one is home. Programmable thermostats can save nearly $200 during a typical winter season which more than pays for itself.
Have a professional inspect the furnace. Replace the furnace filter every 30 days. Lubricate the furnace motor if required. Remove any stored items and clutter from around the furnace and hot water tank. If the ductwork travels through a cold basement, garage or attic, be certain to wrap the exposed ductwork with insulation. A home with central heating can lose up to 60% of its heated air before that air reaches the vents if the ductwork is not tightly fitted and well insulated.
Bruce Pinsler is the President of Galaxie Home Remodeling in Lincolnwood, IL. To submit a question for the "About The House" column, go to www.galaxieconst.com or write to: Bruce Pinsler, Galaxie Home Remodeling, 4761 W. Touhy Avenue, Lincolnwood, IL 60712