When pondering projects around a house, it's easy to overlook small tasks and direct your focus toward more significant undertakings. Small projects might not generate the reactions that larger projects do, but even the simplest tasks can go a long way toward making a home more comfortable.
Sealing leaks around windows and doors is unlikely to make any homeowner's list of dream projects. However, as the moderate temperatures of fall give way to harsh winter weather, homeowners who seal leaks around their doors and windows may be surprised by how effective this simple project can be at reducing energy costs and making a home more comfortable. In fact, the U.S. Department of Energy notes that sealing inefficient windows and doors can reduce annual utility bills by 7 to 15 percent. That's a potentially significant cost savings, particularly in an era marked by rising utility costs.
Before homeowners seal their windows and doors, they can first look for signs that these areas are allowing outdoor air in. The United States Environmental Protection Agency notes there are some obvious signs that a home has leaks around the windows and doors. Those signs include: · Drafts: If you place your hand around closed windows or doors but can still feel drafts, then there are leaks that will need to be sealed.
