Winter Checklist

When Old Man Winter is around the corner, make sure your windows are up to the challenge.  Windows and doors can be a significant portion of your home’s energy loss.  The tips below will help keep your home toasty warm in the face of winter’s cold temperatures.

1. Check the condition of all of the weather seals on all your windows and doors.  Environmental conditions can degrade and destroy some weather seals and most can be easily replaced.  Make sure they are in good condition to minimize air leakage.
2. Examine the caulking around all of your doors and windows.  Exposure to the elements, as well as house settling, can crack or break existing caulk lines.  Make sure that all of your window frames are sealed to the home’s exterior with a generous bead of caulk to allow for necessary expansion or contraction without allowing air leakage.
3. Look for small cracks in your home where potential air can leak, for example around plumbing lines and seal any openings with caulk.
4. If you have storm windows, be sure to apply them in the fall to prepare for any early frost that might come.
5. A window that is not fully closed or locked could compromise the windows design and allow for unnecessary air to invade the home.  Be sure that your windows are in good working order and remain closed and locked to minimize any energy loss.