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Owner of Tension Seal, a Howard County window and door replacement company, agrees with Farmer’s Almanac predictions of a very cold and long Maryland winter this year and says, “Homeowners can prepare their homes to keep the cold out and the heat in, while saving money on energy bills.”
JP Taymoorian, owner of Tension Seal, says “To keep your energy bills down, it’s important that windows, walls, doors, and attic spaces are properly insulated, repaired and replaced.
Tension Seal suggests lowering your thermostat just a couple degrees can save you up to three percent on the monthly energy bill.
Heat escapes the house mainly through attics, fireplaces, windows, and doors.
Taymoorian says “Homeowners can follow these energy efficiency tips to help keep out the cold air and stop the loss of heat through cracks and openings in the home:
1. Prepare or Replace leaking Windows
Take out all window air conditioning units so the window can be fully closed and sealed.
Utilizing window drapes which can help to reduce energy loss by as much as 10%.
Check to see if your windows need to be re-sealed on the interior and exterior
2. Prepare or Replace Exterior Doors
Fill in and caulk gaps around the exterior door frames.
Install door sweeps at the bottom of doors to block cold air drafts.
Now is the time to consider replacing old exterior doors with new energy-efficient ENERGY STAR steel or fiberglass doors.
A quality front door is made from durable, insulated materials combined with weather-stripping systems that help these doors maximize comfort by reducing drafty air leaks, and they save energy by keeping the heat in during the winter.
3. Stop Heat Loss in the Attic
Use spray foam or caulk to seal openings in the attic that are around vents, fans, light fixtures, and wire penetrations. If you notice discolored patches of insulation, that’s an indication of air leakage through the attic floor.
Check that the attic door is insulated and weather stripped. If the attic door has fold down stairs, homeowners should consider putting in an insulated stair cover.
Check that recessed lights to the attic are insulated with a special fireproof insulation. If light can be seen from behind the recessed lights, heat, and conditioned air can get out as well.
4. Prepare the Heating System
Be sure to have the homes heating system serviced yearly to make sure it’s working properly. Change your air filters monthly in the winter to help with efficiency and to maintain airflow.
During waking hours, program your thermostat to a comfortable temperature such as 68°F and then lower at night.
When you aren’t home, set your thermostat to a minimum of 5° lower than your average sleeping temperature. “
Learn more about making homes more energy efficient and about Tension Seal on their website http://www.tensionseal.com
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Release ID: 290072