According to the Iowa Energy Center the average Iowa family spends more than half of its annual household energy bill on heating and cooling. You can greatly reduce this number by doing some caulking around your doors and windows. Filling the gaps and cracks around windows and doors can make a difference in utility bills as well as helping to keep unwanted pests out of your house.
To caulk, the first step is to clean away any of the old caulk from the area. Apply the new caulk to a dry surface. There are many different types of caulk available. Some are for indoor use only while others are for outdoors, some are paintable while others are not. Be sure to read the labels and choose the caulk that will adhere to the surface you are sealing. Most caulks are applied with a caulking gun for easy application. Simply cut about ½ inch off the end of the tip at a 45° angle and use a nail to puncture the seal. Lay a uniform bead that covers both sides for a good seal. You can use a dampened finger to smooth it out if needed. If the opening is more than ¼ inch you may need a backing material added before caulking or use a spray foam sealer instead. After you are finished if you have caulk remaining in the tube the nail can serve as a cap for the unused amount.
Some other places that you should check for air leaks include dryer vents, faucet pipes, electric outlets, chimneys, and the foundation sill. Taking care of these projects can extend the life of your home, lower your utility costs and make your home more comfortable in both the summer and winter!
If you are looking for more detailed information on caulking and winterizing throughout your house the Home Tightening, Insulation and Ventilation publication from the Iowa Energy Center will give you more detailed guidance.
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