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Colder weather will be here soon enough. It seems like every winter, records for high fuel costs are broken. Additionally, poor maintenance can result in broken pipes and furnaces that do not work. It is important that you take the necessary steps to ensure your home is prepared for winter months. A number of inexpensive fixes can keep your home comfortable throughout the winter, and it will help you avoid high utility bills. You will need to check for places where air can escape. Exterior doors are typically the culprits. Check for light coming in from around the edges. This is a sign that air can come through. Fill in gaps with low-expansion spray foam insulation and install weather-stripping underneath the door. One cost-effective way you can secure your doors against heat loss is to install a storm door. If your main door is older but in relatively good condition, installing a storm door may reduce heat loss through air leaks. They work by providing a pocket of insulation for the main door, which reduces air conduction, and by reducing the effects of air leaks. The Department of Housing and Urban Development estimates that a $200 storm door will quickly pay for itself in energy savings. A storm door can also be used for ventilation during warmer months. On some models, the window can be replaced with an insect screen. It may also provide enough ventilation to reduce air conditioning use during the summer. Windows are another place where heat can escape. In fact, they can be the single biggest source of heat loss. You can check for leaks around your windows by holding a lit candle near the edges of the frames. On a windy day, the flame will flicker in spots where there are leaks. Applying a weather-stripping caulk sealant will seal the window and prevent warm air from escaping. Additionally, some home improvement experts recommend using plastic sheeting on the inside of the windows as an effective way to prevent heat loss in older windows. You can purchase plastic wrap kits at home improvement stores. Finally, it is important that you do not forget about the outside of your house when preparing for winter. Clear all debris, dirt, and leaves from your roof to prevent accumulated snow from straining the roof. While you are on the roof, check for missing shingles, soft spots, and vent damage, and then, make necessary repairs. You should also insulate exposed water pipes and cover central air units. Winter is also a good time to remove any electrical wires in the yard and branches hanging over your house. By winterizing your house, you can make sure your home is both comfortable and energy-efficient. A few simple, cost-effective steps will help you save money and protect your house from extreme temperatures. Interested in installing a storm door in Morris County, NJ? If so, residents can visit our site to learn how we can help. http://www.lifetimealuminum.com/doors/storm.html.
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