In the dog days of summer, you’re probably blasting your central air unit trying to stay cool. But cool air escapes from your windows and doors when they have gaps and cracks. Replacing windows and doors can be expensive and time-consuming, so you need an alternative. This guide explains ways to seal air's exits.

Caulking

Window gaps can be filled with weatherproofing caulk to keep your conditioned air from escaping. Old wooden frames may develop gaps over time, and weatherproofing caulk might not be enough. If that’s the case, expanding foam caulk will effectively fill the gaps. If you’re worried about appearances, find a paintable caulk. You can paint your caulk to match the wall’s color. 

Weatherstripping

Weatherstripping comes in many types—foam tape, rubber tubes, and adhesive felt. Cut the weatherstripping to size with a utility knife, and make sure you get the strip securely in place against the door jamb. Otherwise, it may catch on the door as it opens and closes, causing it to tear off.

Plastic Sheeting

Once the weather has cooled down and you switch from your central air unit to your furnace, you’ll want to find a way to keep cold air from entering your home. Old windows are often single pane, which allows a lot of cold air to transfer inside. Double panes limit this by trapping an inert gas between two panes of glass. You can create a similar effect by applying plastic shrink wrap over drafty windows and warming it with a hair dryer to create a tight seal.

In addition to these energy saving measures, have your central air unit inspected this summer. Routine maintenance is one of the best ways to prevent unexpected, inconvenient breakdowns. Homeowners in Kentucky can count on Independence Mechanical for new furnaces, central air unit repairs, and regular tune-ups. To learn more about their offerings, visit their website, or call (859) 353-0410 for a project estimate.