iGo Green
iGo Green

Lower Your Heating and Cooling Bills

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Pay Attention to Your Doors and Windows
Doors and windows are where most energy is lost because they require about 1/8" clearance around each frame in order to open and close smoothly. That 1/8" really adds up -- for each window or door, the space for clearance adds up to the size of one brick. The average house has anywhere from 12 to 20 doors and windows. So if you don't take steps to seal the space around your windows and doors, you are fighting a hole equal to 12 to 20 bricks!

  1. Install storm doors and windows
    Installing storm doors and storm windows on older windows or opting for newer, more energy efficient doors and windows is a good beginning. Don't forget the basement windows—plastic storm windows work well here since you don't have to worry about impaired visibility.

  2. Replace cracked or broken window glass.
    This is obvious. If you need help, read 5 Steps to Replacing a Broken Window.

  3. Install weather stripping.
    Weather stripping is the finishing touch to fill the space around doors and windows. There are many types; any of them will help save money.

    • Removable/reusable weather stripping: This temporary sealer can be used if you can slip a dime between the window and the sill.
    • Foam weather stripping (a self-adhesive insulator): When the door is closed, it will compress the foam, filling the space and preventing heated and cooled air from escaping.
    • V-seal (a self-adhesive insulator): V-seal is flexible and will fill those gaps between door and frame. Make sure the point of the "V" is headed back into the room.
    • Door sweeps: Attached to the bottom of a door. Available in self-adhesive or with screws. The easiest kind to install is the self-adhesive.
    • Plastic window insulating kit: Seals and stops drafts from entering through the space around the window frame. Easy to install, especially with the newer models that have tape attached to the top—you simply roll the pre-taped plastic across the top of the window, cut it to size, and press into double-sided tape along the bottom and sides. Use a hair dryer to shrink the plastic and eliminate any wrinkles.
    • Glazing compound (putty): Seals glass or plastic panels in their frames in doors or windows to keep them from rattling.


NEXT: Apply caulk >>

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