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Alternative-Heating-Info.com
The same thing happens to your home if you have cracks around doors or windows, and
gaps around vents and pipes. Those holes allow cold winds in, and let warm interior air
escape increasing your energy use and heating costs.
The good news is, by weatherizing your home, a few dollars and a little effort can
reduce your heating costs by up to 30 percent. You’ll not only save energy and be more
comfortable … weatherizing can extend the life of your home and might even increase
the value of your property!
Understanding the problem
When air moves in and out of your home through cracks and crevices, that’s called
infiltration. You want to find the source and eliminate it. Infiltration can occur in three
different ways.
1. Wind-driven infiltration occurs when the wind blows in through cracks in your house
bringing cold air in and forcing warm air out. (The volume of air your house can hold is
limited, so when unwanted cold air comes in, some of the existing heated air is pushed
out). This cold/warm air displacement can happen in reverse during summer months.
2. The chimney effect occurs when warm air rises, escaping through cracks, and draws
cold air in at a lower level to replace it.
3. Negative air pressure occurs when fuel-burning appliances decrease air pressure in
your home, or air is expelled through your clothes dryer or exhaust fans. Air is then
drawn in to equalize the air pressure.
Low-income weatherization programs
If your income is 200% or less of the poverty level–$21,660 for a single person, $44,100
for a family of four—you may qualify for help weatherizing your home thanks to the
stimulus package’s $5 billion infusion into the U.S. Department of Energy’s
Weatherization Assistance Program.
gaps around vents and pipes. Those holes allow cold winds in, and let warm interior air
escape increasing your energy use and heating costs.
The good news is, by weatherizing your home, a few dollars and a little effort can
reduce your heating costs by up to 30 percent. You’ll not only save energy and be more
comfortable … weatherizing can extend the life of your home and might even increase
the value of your property!
Understanding the problem
When air moves in and out of your home through cracks and crevices, that’s called
infiltration. You want to find the source and eliminate it. Infiltration can occur in three
different ways.
1. Wind-driven infiltration occurs when the wind blows in through cracks in your house
bringing cold air in and forcing warm air out. (The volume of air your house can hold is
limited, so when unwanted cold air comes in, some of the existing heated air is pushed
out). This cold/warm air displacement can happen in reverse during summer months.
2. The chimney effect occurs when warm air rises, escaping through cracks, and draws
cold air in at a lower level to replace it.
3. Negative air pressure occurs when fuel-burning appliances decrease air pressure in
your home, or air is expelled through your clothes dryer or exhaust fans. Air is then
drawn in to equalize the air pressure.
Low-income weatherization programs
If your income is 200% or less of the poverty level–$21,660 for a single person, $44,100
for a family of four—you may qualify for help weatherizing your home thanks to the
stimulus package’s $5 billion infusion into the U.S. Department of Energy’s
Weatherization Assistance Program.
Weatherize Your Home
Finding Air Leaks
Caulking and Weather Stripping
Using Caulk
Weather Stripping
Weatherize the Outside
Weatherize the Inside
Caulking and Weather Stripping
Using Caulk
Weather Stripping
Weatherize the Outside
Weatherize the Inside
Imagine you’re standing outside
on a cold, blustery winter day. You
have your coat tightly buttoned or
zipped up to your chin. Your coat
sleeves are layered over the tops
of your gloves, and your stocking
cap is pulled down tightly over
your head.
Despite the chilling weather, you’
re warm and toasty.
Now, imagine standing outside on
that same day, with your coat
unbuttoned, a hole in your glove
and your hat in your pocket. You
can feel that cold wind blowing
right through you!
on a cold, blustery winter day. You
have your coat tightly buttoned or
zipped up to your chin. Your coat
sleeves are layered over the tops
of your gloves, and your stocking
cap is pulled down tightly over
your head.
Despite the chilling weather, you’
re warm and toasty.
Now, imagine standing outside on
that same day, with your coat
unbuttoned, a hole in your glove
and your hat in your pocket. You
can feel that cold wind blowing
right through you!
