- Fact:
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, 25 to 40% of
the energy used for heating and cooling a typical home is lost due
to air leakage.
- Fact:
Only about 10% of a home's air leakage is through windows. The
majority of air leakage in older homes is through the floor and
ceiling.
- Tip:
Common leakage sites include: plumbing holes through walls,
floors and ceilings; around chimneys; fireplace dampers; attic
access hatches; recessed lights and fans; wiring holes; missing
plaster; electrical outlets and switches; moldings around windows,
doors and baseboards; and dropped ceilings above bathtubs and
kitchen cabinets.
- Tip:
The best time to caulk is during dry weather when the
temperature is above 45°F.
- Tip:
Locking a window helps create an air-tight seal.
- Tip:
Window putty (glazing compound) is used to seal a loose
windowpane.
