Just Say No to Drafts in the Home
Do the candles on your table gutter in a steady breeze, even though none of the windows are open? Can you see tumbleweeds drifting across the hall? Are your drapes swinging ethereally? Your house might be haunted...but it's probably just drafty, and that's going to drive your heating bills way up,
Posted — UpdatedDo the candles on your table gutter in a steady breeze, even though none of the windows are open? Can you see tumbleweeds drifting across the hall? Are your drapes swinging ethereally? Your house might be haunted...but it's probably just drafty, and that's going to drive your heating bills way up, way fast. It's time to say goodbye to drafts for 2014, because you deserve better than eight layers of blankets and chattering teeth every time the mercury drops.
If you have a draft problem in your house, chances are you have a rough idea of where the problem's originating, but take a closer look. Common culprits are doors and windows, both of which tend to expand and contract (along with their frames) when temperature and humidity levels change. Over time, that can lead to permanent warping, which creates openings for cold air to come howling in. Inside the house, it's common for drafts to creep in under doors, making it hard to control the temperature from room to room.
If you haven't had your chimney inspected in a while, get on it, and make sure the flue is in good shape. Confirm that everyone in the household knows how to use the stove or fireplace, which will reduce the risk of fires in addition to encouraging everyone to avoid drafts by using your heating source properly. If the problem lies in your electrical system, low-cost foam insulation kits are available and they allow you to quickly seal up drafts around your electrical outlets as well as vents.
Be vigilant about drafts. Cracks in your home can represent a major source of heat loss, and they are a big contributor to heating bills. They can also be a sign of a more serious problem; for example, if you have drafts coming up through your floors, you may have an issue with the subfloor that needs to be addressed!