Keep Lid On Energy Bills In Lapeer MI

Keep lid on energy bills in Lapeer MI

No one likes wasting money, especially in these tough economic times. So it certainly makes sense to make a small investment of time and supplies to close up those heat wasting air leaks around your Lapeer home. It'll pay back big dividends in reduced energy bills and a warmer, more comfortable home this winter.

1. Doors and windows : This should be an obvious one.

2. Exterior penetrations : Some examples of exterior penetrations where air can leak into the home include exterior faucets, dryer vents, exterior electrical outlets, exterior light fixtures, holes that have been drilled for phone or TV cables, conduit, exit points for plumbing drains and penetrations for air conditioning lines.

3. Exhaust vent covers : The louvers are designed to be in the closed position whenever the fan is not in use, so that outside air doesn't leak in.

4. Gaps around interior vents and recessed lights : Inside your home, heated air can be leaking out around that same ventilation equipment, where vent pipes pass through the walls or ceiling or where vent covers meet wall and ceiling surfaces.

5. Heat duct penetrations : Gaps around heating duct cans where they pass through the floor or wall allow cold air to enter from the crawl space, while gaps around ceiling duct cans allow heated air to escape into the attic.

6. Fireplaces and woodstoves : Lots of gaps can occur around these appliances.

7. Attic and crawl space hatches : These can be real air losers if they're not weatherstripped.

8. Interior doors to unheated spaces : If you have any interior doors that lead to unheated spaces, including basements, garages or attics, be sure the doors are weatherstripped to prevent air leakage.

9. Sill plates and penetrations : This one's not as easy to deal with, but it's well worth the effort to try to do whatever you can with it (caulking, expanding foam).
references: paul bianchina, inman news, efrogpond