MSC News

MSC News National Headlines Sports Top Headlines CBS US News CBS Technology

Printer Friendly

Email to a Friend

Controlling Home Drafts Can Save On Heating Costs

By Joel Hardy

10/15/2014

(KAIR)--With the onset of cooler weather fast approaching, people may start to think of how to best winterize their home in an effort to reduce energy costs.

Preventing cold air from entering the home and keeping warm air from escaping is one of the best way to control costs. Windows are a major source of heat loss, and Bruce Snead, Director of Extesion Engineering at K-State says this is especially true in older homes. Factors such as window orientation, the amount of windows and their size also play a role in how windows cost you for heating and cooling. He adds that even if you have old, leaky windows, you can always add and interiour layer of plastic film for more insulation.

To stop drafts around exterior doors, calk the outside door frame, and create a draft stopper for for underneath doors that leak cold air into the home. Snead also suggests installing foam insulators behind the faceplates of electrical outlets and light switches:

To reduce the amount of energy used when no one is home, or when less heat is needed, Snead suggests installing a programmable thermostat to regulate the heat based on how your family lives. Every degree that you drop in the perminant setting on your thermostat, you could save as much as three percent on your heating costs.

Snead also suggests reversing the direction of ceiling fans to push hot air downward to delay it from leaving the house, and dressing in multiple layers to conserve body heat.

You will need to be logged in to leave a comment.

Please Login

The posting of advertisements, profanity, or personal attacks is prohibited.

Click here to review our Terms of Use.