Winter is right around the corner, which means it’s time to consider some steps you can take to lower your heating bills. Sealing your home against the cold doesn’t have to be an expensive proposition. One cost-effective option is weatherstripping.

Weatherstripping materials are relatively inexpensive and are designed to prevent heat from literally vanishing out yours windows and doors. They can be used on many areas of the home, such as:

• Exterior doors
• Openings to non-conditioned areas of the home (a door to an attached garage or access to an attic)
• Electrical outlets
• Windows
• Line access points (telephone or cable wiring)
• Vents (oven, dryer, bathroom)

Detecting air leaks is the first step. While professionals have specialized tools that help to find air escaping from your home, you also can be a sleuth. Check the Energy Savers website for tips on detecting leaks in your home.

There are several kinds of weatherstripping available, each designed for different sealing jobs.

• Strips of adhesive-backed foam can be run under and around windows and doors.
• Door sweeps block cold air that seeps through the gap at the bottom of entry doors.
• Specialized padding is available to stop gaps behind electrical plates like outlets and wall switches.
• For difficult-to-fill areas, there is a spray that hardens when applied, creating a customizable gasket for any hole in your home.

For more information on making your home as energy efficient as possible this winter, contact the friendly pros at Smoky Mountain Heating & Air.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about weatherstripping and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Smoky Mountain Heating & Air services Asheville, North Carolina and the surrounding areas. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!