March Energy Tips

Air Infiltration

Air that transfers in and out of homes through cracks, crevices and holes can increase energy consumption. What better time than spring to take care of your leaks around the house? Here are some helpful tips to avoid air infiltration:

• Seal around pipe penetration coming through walls and floors.
• During hot and cold weather, ensure windows are closed tightly and locked.
• Check weather-stripping around doors and windows and make sure it is tight.
• When your fireplace is not operating, its flue should be closed tightly, with a sign hanging from the flue handle warning it is closed.
• Check the ceiling behind the cornice of built-in bookshelves for holes cut during construction.
• Drop-down, disappearing stairways should fit tightly into the ceiling and be carefully weather-stripped.
• Whole-house attic fans should be sealed tightly during the winter.
• Make sure your outside dryer vent door closes when the dryer is not in use. This requires cleaning away lint accumulation periodically.