| |
| |
|
Home Improvement Information |
|
|
|
Why Is Your House Cold?
How many of you have experienced this situation? As the wind blows outside and the temperature drops, you get chilled even while you are standing in the middle of your home. How does this happen? The three biggest problems with the comfort of your home are, 1) air infiltration 2) air infiltration 3) air infiltration The total air infiltration in an average house is the equivalent of having a door or window open every day of your life. Now, you've probably heard it said that a house needs to breathe. In all my years in this work, I've never had anyone really explain why a house needs to breathe or even what that statement really means. Another word for house breathing is, simply put, leaks. Just think with me for a moment. If you can keep the cold air from getting in, it won't take as much to heat your house. Not to mention the fact that you would be a lot more comfortable in your home. So where does the air come in? Think of it this way. Anywhere an ant can get in, air can get in. Here are a few major problem areas: Where your wall touches your slab. Cracks between the wood framing in your home's walls. Around electrical receptacles and light switches in your house, even on interior walls. (When the north wind is blowing, go feel the electrical outlets and switches on your north wall.) Holes and leaks around your sink plumbing. Forget the ants, sometimes a mouse can get through these holes. Gas and fireplace flues. Recessed can lights that are not IC-rated. Between 3 and 10 cubic feet per minute of air will pass through one of these lights. A typical plastic garbage bag is 3 cubic feet. So that means that three garbage bags full of air can leak out of one of those lights every minute. The return air system of your heating/cooling unit. In the average house, gigantic amounts of air enter through this system. So how are you going to stop the cold air from penetrating your home this winter? The solution is mostly labor and a little bit material. Now, say this with me. Caulk it Caulk it Caulk it For big holes, such as those under the sink, simply use expandable foam. For the smaller cracks, use a clear siliconized caulk. For electrical outlets and light switches, install the insulated foam gaskets and childproof plug inserts. Installing cellulose insulation in your attic will also help reduce air infiltration from your attic space. For lower utiltiy bills visit www.lower-utility-bills.com. Doug Rye is a nationally recognized energy consultant and licensed architect. Doug also host the "Home Remedies" radio talk show that is broadcast in 15 states. Phillip Rye is a licensed engineer and has spent the past 15 years studying energy efficiency and energy conservation. Discover how you can have lower utility bills guarunteed! Visit http://www.lower-utility-bills.com.
MORE RESOURCES:
Google News |
|
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Advice on Waterproofing Your Deck Even if you undertook the task of building your own deck, you understand the large investment (both monetary and in time) that went into the project. Decks add beauty and value to a home, and are often the family's favorite place on lovely afternoons. How To Choose House Style Mailboxes Your mailbox is not simply a receptacle for your mail; itis an extension of your home and a statement of your goodtaste. You can find extraordinary house style mailboxesthat will be a beautiful addition to your outdoor décor. The Different Roofing Materials Used for Flatroofs, Their Advantages and Disadvantages The roof has had many different innovations in regards to the materials used to make them. Different designs through the years have made it a necessity to find newer, lightweight and more durable roofing materials. Where's the Care Label for my New Bedspread? I love bedspreads, don't you? A comforter can be used for the winter months but the bedspread is brought out of the linen closet in the spring when it's warming up and the whole world is freshening and renewing itself outside. A bedspread is available in most any color, pattern or fabric and it can be one of the most expensive items you put in your bedroom. Which Water Purification Systems Are Best? - A Comparison of the Three Most Common Technologies Fresh water is essential to our health and comfort. Not only do we rely on it to stay hydrated, we use it in many other ways including bathing, cleaning and cooking food, and laundering our clothes. About Lighting Your Home Lighting is such a critical part of any home improvement project. Whether it's a kitchen remodel or a brand new home, the lighting plan should be well thought out. Unadulterated Truth About Black Mold: What You Don't Know Is Destroying Your Home And Your Health With today's new building procedures, our homes are more dangerous than ever before!Scientific evidence now shows that the air inside our homes is 2-5 times more polluted than the air outside. And because we spend about 90 percent of our time inside, indoor air quality has become one of the top environmental health threats in the country. Why You Should Get A Patio Awning In these days of climate change, the UK summer is believe or not, getting warmer and sunnier. Whilst this gives us opportunity to enjoy more time in the garden and sitting on the patio. How to Remodel A Small Bathroom Not all bathrooms can be lavish spaces with whirlpool tubs and two separate vanities. For some bathrooms, space is at a premium and knocking out walls is not an option, but remodeling must be done. 3 Great Reasons to Shop for Home Lighting Online If you are a consumer who knows just what brand or style of lighting fixtures you are looking to buy, the internet can save you money. Conversely, if you are just learning about what lighting fixtures, interior and exterior, are available for your home, the internet is a great place to get educated. Rustic Stone House Signs You may own a remarkably constructed, attractive house that is perfect from every angle. The outside of the house is designed to demand a second look from anyone passing by. Duvet Covers Are Easy to Make Yourself Duvet covers are rather versatile when you think about it. If you want something that is really different for your bedroom, you may find expense is an issue in fancy, unique, well made fabric. New Jersey Home Remodeling The U.S. Pre-drawn House plans the Benefits and Styles Pre-drawn house plans are those that are drawn by architects or home designers and then offered for sale, unlike those that are drawn for an individual, with input from the customer. While this method may be a great idea, there are definite benefits to purchasing pre-drawn house plans. Modern Rugs The modern look is a highly admired form of interior design. The word Modern is a broad term that encompasses many different techniques and styles of design. Marketing For The Home Builder When one is looking into marketing for the home builder, one should find a number of tools to promote newly built homes and home-building offers:Advertising: the marketing for the home builder package should offer an advertising agency.Your primary goal, to draw leads, should be catered to with such services and offerings as a marketing plan, an established venue (or venues), listings and listings links, link-backs, artistic renderings (drawings and/or photos), all to create web presence by name branding, the latest in internet sales generating techniques. Traditional Interior Design Traditional interior design encompasses a great variety of elements in a home. From the ceilings to the floor; including the trim, the wall finishes--all the way to the window treatments and the furniture. How House Plans Work The Ins and Outs Of Choosing Online Custom Home Plans!So you've decided to build your own home, congratulations! Now where do you go from here?If you are a first timer, it is sometimes confusing figuring out how house plans work. House plans, sometimes referred to as home floor plans, are easily deciphered once you understand the basics. Guide to Bathroom Design The first step is to plan the design - as with kitchens, your local supplier will run off a computer-generated plan based on the room's dimensions and your particular requirements.If you're sticking with the same layout, measure your bathroom suite carefully before you go shopping for a replacement so that you know the new items will fit. Mahoganys Beauty and Durability Makes it Ideal for Deck Construction A couple of years ago I had the chance to tour several newly constructed Adirondack homes. One of the areas that particularly stood out for me while touring these homes were the decks.
|
| Home | Site Map | Free Home Improvement information | Free Home Improvement Tips | Remodel Your Home Here | Free Home Improvement information | Home interior decorate |
| © 2007 |
