weatherstripping Archives | Citizens Utility Board https://www.citizensutilityboard.org/blog/tag/weatherstripping/ Fight utility rate hikes, promote clean energy, and advocate for consumer protections in Illinois. Mon, 18 Oct 2021 21:57:32 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.2 https://www.citizensutilityboard.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/cropped-CUB_LogoBadgeAlt-32x32.png weatherstripping Archives | Citizens Utility Board https://www.citizensutilityboard.org/blog/tag/weatherstripping/ 32 32 Winter preparedness: Weatherstripping https://www.citizensutilityboard.org/blog/2021/10/15/winter-preparedness-weatherstripping/ Fri, 15 Oct 2021 15:12:26 +0000 https://www.citizensutilityboard.org/?p=32730 Using weatherstripping in your home to seal air leaks is a simple and effective way to improve energy efficiency and save money on heating bills. Weatherstripping can also protect the integrity of your home’s insulation by preventing warm, moist air from escaping through it.  But before you take a trip to your local hardware store, first inspect your doors and windows for air leaks. It may also be helpful to measure the perimeters of all the places you plan to install weatherstripping, to get an idea of how much you should purchase.   There are several types of weatherstripping available at the hardware store. The most common are felt, adhesive-backed foam; vinyl “V” strips; and door sweeps. A quick review of hardware stores found that felt and foam weatherstripping run between $3 and $10. Vinyl V strips cost a range of about $5 to $25, and a door sweep costs about $15 to $40.           From left to right: Felt, adhesive-backed foam, vinyl V weatherstripping and a door sweep Be sure to choose the correct type of weatherstripping for the area of your house you are sealing by taking into account potential exposure to moisture, wear and tear and weather changes. Check out the Department of Energy’s helpful fact sheet on choosing weatherstripping and installation.  Installing weatherstripping can be relatively simple (depending on what type you’ve chosen). Refer to the product’s instructions for best practices with your specific type of weatherstripping.  Before installing, prepare your home surfaces by cleaning them with soap and water, and allowing them to dry completely. Windows If you are using foam tape for your windows, apply weatherstripping to the fixed frame that supports the glass, also known as a sash. Repeat this step for as many windows as necessary. When the windows in your home are closed, the foam’s airtight barrier will prevent cold air from coming in and warm air from escaping through the window frame. Tip: Foam tape can wear down with constant friction, so be sure to periodically check on the condition of your weatherstripping and replace as necessary. Many homeowners choose to use vinyl V strips for double-hung or sliding windows instead of adhesive-backed foam. Open the window by pulling the bottom sash up as far as it can go and cut a piece of weather stripping the length of the opening. Remove the backing and push the weatherstripping into place. Repeat this step with the upper sash. When the window is closed, the “V” will close and create an airtight seal.  There are a lot of online resources to show you how window weatherstripping works, such as this Lowe’s step-by-step guide. Also, watch this video from Mr. Hardware’s YouTube channel.  Doors If you elect to use foam tape for your doors, apply one strip on each side along the length of the door. Ensure the tape fits securely and tightly at the corners. You may instead choose to install a door sweep. Place the sweep against the exterior of your door so that there is no light coming through. With the sweep in place, mark the location […]

The post Winter preparedness: Weatherstripping appeared first on Citizens Utility Board.

]]> Your Winter To-Do List: Save Money, Keep the Chill Out https://www.citizensutilityboard.org/blog/2021/09/17/your-winter-to-do-list-save-money-keep-the-chill-out/ Fri, 17 Sep 2021 13:30:40 +0000 https://www.citizensutilityboard.org/?p=32425 Grocery stores have started selling Halloween candy, and Starbucks’ Pumpkin Spiced Latte is back on the menu: Fall is upon us, and chilly weather isn’t far behind. Start preparing for colder temps with these five to-dos to keep your home warm and safe this winter. Weatherstripping – Weatherstripping can be used to seal air leaks around doors and windows. By keeping warm air in and preventing cold outside air from leaking indoors, weatherstripping can help you save on your heating bills. This is especially true in older homes with leaky windows and doors. Energy.gov’s helpful fact sheet breaks down your weatherstripping options and provides some installation guidance. (Also, if you have storm doors or windows, make sure to install them before the cold arrives. Now is a good time to inspect and repair them, if necessary.) Switch the direction of your fan – In the winter, your fan should rotate clockwise (from your position looking up at it) at the slowest speed. Turning clockwise, the fan’s blades pull cold air up, which then pushes warm air down toward the room’s occupants. Used in combination with a wise temperature setting, this tip can save consumers up to 15 percent on their winter bills. If you’re not sure how to change the direction of your ceiling fan, watch CUB’s quick how-to video.  Change your furnace filter – This is an important maintenance step to ensure your furnace is operating properly and efficiently. You should check your filter monthly. To determine if it’s too dirty, remove the filter and hold it up to the light. If you can no longer clearly see light, change the filter. To install a filter correctly, ensure that the arrow printed on the edge of the filter points toward the blower motor. Putting it in backward decreases the filter’s efficiency. Schedule an HVAC inspection – While you’re replacing your furnace filter, schedule an inspection with a reputable HVAC contractor. Most systems last 10 to 15 years but can last longer and run more efficiently with maintenance. An inspector can check your system to ensure everything is working properly. Try to schedule an inspection for early fall if possible: it’s better to identify any issues with your furnace before the weather turns frigid. Drain your outdoor spigots – Water freezing in your pipes during cold weather can lead to burst pipes — a financial and home-repair disaster. Read CUB’s how-to blog to properly drain your outdoor faucets and prevent a water-pipe nightmare. Bonus tip – Check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. We’re all blasting the furnace or building fires during the winter months, making us more susceptible to accidental house fires and carbon monoxide exposure. Ensure your detectors are working — replace the batteries if you’re unsure of the last time they were changed. 

The post Your Winter To-Do List: Save Money, Keep the Chill Out appeared first on Citizens Utility Board.

]]>