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How to Find and Fix the Hidden Energy Leaks

By
Real Estate Agent with EXP REALTY

Are hidden energy leaks costing you money on heating and cooling your home? How to find (and fix) them:

 

Seal Air Leaks – Eliminating drafts can save you from 5% to 30% on your annual energy costs. Check for gaps anywhere different building materials meet, along baseboards, where the flooring meets the wall and the junctures of walls and the ceiling.

 

Upgrade Insulation – Get a thermographic inspection to determine if you have adequate insulation or if your insulation has settled or been compromised by moisture damage.

 

Fill the Gaps – Use expanding foam insulation or caulk to fill any gaps and holes in exterior walls. Add weather stripping to windows and install foam outlet gaskets on exterior electrical outlets.

 

Insulate Attic Hatches – Seal and insulate access hatches to your attic space. Prebuilt hatch and attic stair covers are available, or you can make your own using foam board.

 

Address Windows and Doors – In cooler climates, add weatherstripping and install shrink-wrap to large windows or patio doors. In warmer climates, use window coverings to reduce solar gain.

 

Cover the Water Heater – Add a water heater blanket or consider upgrading to a more energy efficient model. Insulating a water heater can reduce standby losses by 25 to 45 percent.

 

Use Landscaping – Plan your landscaping to help maintain comfortable indoor temperatures both in the summer and the winter. Strategically planted shade trees prevent overheating, while dense windbreaks protect against cold winds.

 

Comments (7)

TeamCHI - Complete Home Inspections, Inc.
Complete Home Inspections, Inc. - Brentwood, TN
Home Inspectons - Nashville, TN area - 615.661.029

 Good Thursday morning Raoul. Great tips for saving energy. With utility rates ever constant on the rise, we must do what we can.

Aug 19, 2015 06:21 PM
Raoul Loustaunau
EXP REALTY - Phoenix, AZ
urhomefinder.com myvaluetoday.com

thanks you for your comment Michael have a great day

Aug 19, 2015 11:01 PM
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Andover, MA
Andover, MA: Andover Luxury Homes For Sale

Raoul Loustaunau good information on saving energy (and I need to work on some of them for sure!)

Aug 21, 2015 02:35 PM
Raoul Loustaunau
EXP REALTY - Phoenix, AZ
urhomefinder.com myvaluetoday.com

thanks Praful hope you have a great weekend

Aug 21, 2015 02:36 PM
Laura Cerrano
Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY
Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher

Thanks so much for the tips and the heads up and it's well appreciated by most of us I'm sure, if not all of us.

Aug 21, 2015 05:00 PM
Laura Cerrano
Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY
Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher

I decided to give you a follow because I'm very fond of the area in the contact. would make sense. Good post!

Aug 21, 2015 05:01 PM
Sham Reddy CRS
Howard Hanna RE Services, Dayton, OH - Dayton, OH
CRS

Wow!!! Grata ideas to save money and energy!!! Some we know and some we did not!!! Thanks

Aug 21, 2015 09:43 PM