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Keep the cold north winds out and warm heated air in for a more
energy efficient home.
- Seal all cracks around window and door trim inside and
out.
- Add weather stripping to all doors and windows. (Check for
leaks by evaluating the smoke of an incense stick.) Make sure all
windows have weather stripping on bottom of the sash, along the
sides and at the meeting rail.
- Install foam insulation gaskets under electric cover plates
on all outlets and switches.
- Seal up basement. Insulate bulkhead doors leading to
basement. Seal all cracks in the foundation wall, both inside and
out. Depending on location, this can be done with mortar or spray
foam insulation.
- Add insulation to attic floor and floors above (unheated)
crawlspaces and basements. (Vapor barrier should always face the
heated space.)
- Make sure all attic door hatches are insulated and
sealed.
- Add exterior storm windows to single glazed windows. Make
sure they are properly sealed and caulked and have weep holes at
the sill to allow moisture to escape. As a quick low-cost
approach, add plastic sheeting to the interior of windows. Kits
can be purchased at your local hardware store.
- Add wooden storm doors that are compatible with the
home's architecture.
- Wrap all hot water pipes and air ducts. Turn off water to
exterior faucets, drain, and cover taps with an insulated
cover.
- Keep your fireplace flues shut tight when not in use. Fill
the throat of the flue with insulation if the fireplace is not
often used.
Preservation Brief 3 - Conserving Energy in Historic Buildings
http://www.nps.gov/hps/tps/briefs/brief03.htm
National Trust's Window Tip Sheet -
http://www.preservationnation.org/search.jsp?query=window+tip+sheet
NH Office of Energy and Planning - Stay Warm Program
http://www.staywarmnh.org/residentialtips.htm#tips
If you need help with weatherization, call the Alliance (224-2281)
for names of contractors who can help.
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