Air Sealing Your Northwestern Colorado Home for Greater Savings and Comfort

In a climate like western Colorado’s, it’s easy to focus primarily on saving energy in the winter. But of course, it’s just as important in the summer. Fortunately, some of the home improvements you make to lower your energy bills in the winter can also help you take charge of your energy bills in the summer. Sealing the spots in your home that leak air is highly cost effective and offers a high return on investment. There are two common sealing methods. Both are easy to do yourself. 

• Caulking involves sealing the various places where plumbing lines, cables and wires come into your home. Other problem areas that caulk can address are spots where two materials meet, as well as around window and door frames. Caulking trouble spots can also help you keep out pests, such as ants. Caulk is used to seal spots that don’t move. It can be purchased at most home-supply stores. Although it goes on white, it’s clear when it dries. Types of caulk include silicone and polyurethane. The type of caulk that you use depends on what it is that you are sealing.
• Weatherstripping involves sealing cracks around moving parts, such as doors. The material that you use needs to be durable enough to withstand constant foot traffic and friction. While it’s important to select a durable material, it’s equally essential to choose something that will allow the door to open and close easily. Weatherstripping can be applied as a tape. Weatherstripping also comes in felt, foam and vinyl form. As with caulk, the material used will depend on what you are using it for.