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Weatherization

You can save 10% or more on your energy bill by reducing the air leaks in your home. If your attic has ample insulation and your home stills feels drafty and cold in the winter or too warm in the summer, you may benefit from weatherizing your home. Here are some tips that may save you money and keep you more comfortable in cold and hot weather.

Get "incensed" about those leaks: On a breezy day, hold a lit incense stick next to your windows, doors, electrical boxes, plumbing fixtures, electrical outlets, ceiling fixtures, attic hatches and other locations where there is a possible air path to the outside. If the smoke streams horizontally, you have located an air leak that many need caulking, sealing or weatherstripping. In addition, recessed light fixtures can be a major source of heat loss.
Cost: Almost free

Weatherstripping & caulking: Caulking and weatherstripping are the easiest and least expensive weatherization measures and can save more than 10% on energy bills. If you can see daylight around door and window frames, then the door or window leaks. Check for holes or cracks around your walls, ceilings, windows, doors, light and plumbing fixtures, switches, and electrical outlets that can leak air into or out of your home and seal them up!
Cost: Less than $20

Check windows for worn glazing: The putty-like substances around the panes in your windows can get old and allow drafts to enter your home. Re-glazing can help seal up those air paths.
Cost: Less than $20

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Isn't there a professional

Isn't there a professional service to check those leaks? I don't know if I can cope with this myself, I may miss something important and then I rather rely on a professional with this task. My very first option here is to insulate my windows, I know for a fact they are loosing heat and reclaiming them would just be a waste of time because they are too old for that. Austin windows will help me find an optimum solution for a better insulation.

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