Energy efficiency is derived with today’s construction and insulation standards. Fine Line Homes uses quality products such as Simonton windows and Therma-Tru doors. There are a few things you can do however with an older home to reduce the heating bill and make your home more comfortable this winter.
One of the fastest return on investment comes from restricting air flow in and out of your home by sealing leaks around windows and doors.
For windows, once a leak has been detected, simply fill it in with caulk or wood filler.
Since doors, unlike windows, cannot be sealed completely closed, there are a few additional options available. One easy solution is to install foam weather-stripping around the sides and bottom of the door.
Replacing the threshold will not only help with drafts, but may make the doorway more appealing to the eye. Another solution, which may be easily overlooked, is the alignment of the door. If the door isn’t hanging straight, making a few simple adjustments to the hinges and strike plate will help with drafts. To check to see if the screws need tightened, simply open the door halfway and pull upward on the handle. If the hinges move, then the screws need to be tightened. Another option is to swap the bottom and top hinges, as the hinge at the top of the door tends to slightly bend with age and use. The bottom hinge, which doesn’t have as much stress, tends to be straighter.
Another option to making repairs is to upgrade windows and doors by replacing them with energy rated products used in new construction.
