California Homeowners: Lower Your Energy Bill By Caulking Windows

No matter what the weather is doing, the last thing California homeowners want is heating or air conditioning to leak outside. There are some simple things that you can do to get rid of drafts, such as caulking gaps and leaks around doors and windows. Here’s what you need to know about caulking.

Why you need to caulk and seal your home

A gap of only 1/8 of an inch is the same as leaving a door or window open six inches. During the winter months this amounts to a lot of heat loss, allowing cold air to enter your home. Not only are you facing chilly days of discomfort, your energy bill is going to see a significant increase. Caulking and sealing these gaps doesn’t cost a lot and can quickly lower your utility bill.

When to caulk

If possible, choose a balmy and warm day to caulk. Caulking is best applied when the temperature is above 40 degrees.

What to seal

The most common places to caulk are around doors and windows. But be sure to look for leaks in these other areas of your home:

• Around chimneys and fireplaces.
• Around pipes with outside access.
• Around ventilation openings and windows in the attic.

To keep cold air out, call a HomeAdvisor window contractor in California.

How to check for leaks

To check your home for leaks, turn on attic, bathroom, and stove fans. This will build up a negative pressure inside your home that makes it easy to see if there are drafts coming in from the outside. Using an ordinary burning incense stick, check areas where there may be a potential draft and leak. Hold the stick around the edges of doors and windows. Moving smoke is a clear sign that you need to caulk to keep warm air from escaping and cold air from entering.

Caulking tips

When you’re ready to caulk, use these tips for best results:

• Invest in a top quality, quick-release caulking gun. The pressure release on the gun prevents caulk from coming out when it’s not in use.
• Use a high grade caulk that can be painted over for a more professional look.

Prevent future problems

A good plan is to check for leaks at least once a year. Gaps can occur as your home settles and shifts. If you’re noticing a lot of heat loss it’s time to call in a window contractor. An experienced professional has specialized equipment to detect problem leaks and can help you weather proof quickly and efficiently.

Is cold air leaking into your home? For help caulking your windows call a HomeAdvisor contractor in California.

This Patch article is sponsored by HomeAdvisor.