Weatherproofing Your Home

Weatherproofing not only helps you control your energy usage and improve the atmosphere inside your home, it can also prevent structural damage from excessive heat, cold and inclement weather. Her are some easy ways for you to shore up your space, whether you live in a single-family home or an apartment.

Pay Attention to Windows and Doors

Most of know to add weather stripping to doors to get rid of cracks that can let out the cold and let in the heat, or vice-versa. This is also a great idea for louvered windows on screen porches, trailers and in bathrooms. Place a strip on the top of the back edge and on the underside of the front edge for a tight seal.

You should also think about window treatments for climate control? We're not talking about boarding up or shuttering the windows, but choosing drapes or blinds to keep excess sunlight out. This will also protect your walls and furnishings from sun damage, and if your choose the right shade, you'll never feel the loss of light.

The most costly solution is to replace your existing doors and windows for better efficiency. However, this is an investment that will pay for itself in energy savings.

Insulate

First of all, get rid of that old fiberglass insulation roll in your walls and replace it with foam. The roles are fine for attics, but make sure that you choose a higher level of protection. Other places that you should consider are pipes that are on exterior walls, around hot water heaters and n the inside of electrical outlet covers.

Preventative Measures

Before winter hits, you should have your duct work and heating system inspected and serviced. Regular inspections and maintenance will help ensure that you don't have a major breakdown mid-winter and helps avoid major repairs from lack of servicing. You should also have your chimney inspected and cleaned by a professional chimney sweep (yes, they're real). Palmco on Twitter is an example of how companies are using social media to alert their customers to breaking news, products launches and other interactions. Many companies also offer money-saving tips and invite public participation. If you have something to contribute, get on the Internet and let your local service providers know how you feel or offer suggestions for improvement.