Seal Home Now Before Georgia’s Next Cold Snap
In winter, you can count on at least one thing. It’s not if a cold snap is coming—it’s when. In other words, one week could be sunny and mild. Then suddenly you are cranking up the heat and watching your natural gas bill climb. In Georgia, it looks like a cooldown is right around the corner. And with Georgia gas prices as high as they are, your monthly bill could get expensive! So, take some time this weekend to prep your Georgia home for a cold snap.
Tackle 10 Common Drafty Spots
Cold air sneaking into your house forces your furnace to work harder. That means you pay more money to your natural gas provider. However, Energy Star estimates homeowners can save 15% on heating and cooling with sealing and insulation upgrades. So, focus on these 10 common drafty spots to get started.
Doors: replace weather stripping and door sweeps for all exterior doors.
Windows: Feel around window frames for drafts. Caulk small gaps and use window insulation film if you have older windows.
Attic: Add weatherstripping around the door going into your attic. Be sure to insulate the door, too.
Fireplace and Chimney: Always close the damper when you’re not using the fireplace to stop airflow. You can also seal around the fireplace with foam board and fire rated caulk.
Crawl Space Access: Use weatherstripping around the door for a tight seal. Fill any gaps in the threshold with spray foam or caulk.
Outlets: Add foam outlet gaskets behind cover plates on exterior walls.
Plumbing: Seal gaps around pipes under sinks. Also look for gaps around pipes near the water heater. Seal these with caulk or spray foam.
Dryer Vent: Make sure the exterior vent flap closes tightly and replace if necessary. Also seal gaps around the vent with fire-rated spray foam or high-heat caulk.
Exhaust Fans: Seal gaps around fan housings and check that exterior vent covers close tightly.
Recessed Lighting: seal these lights that penetrate into attic space by installing fire-rated recessed light covers. Alternatively, apply spray foam to seal the light to the drywall.
A Project that Pays off During a Cold Snap
Tackling these 10 drafty spots in your home is a quick project that can make a big difference. Specifically, fewer drafts mean your furnace runs less and you use less natural gas while staying cozy during a cold snap in Georgia. Additionally, you can take these energy saving efforts even further by shopping for a cheap natural gas rate. So, find your best natural gas plan today at https://www.georgiagassavings.com.