Drafts Kill Heat

Almost everyone who writes about renovation talks about "r-value this" and "u-value that." I know I do and there seems to be a consensus that if you pile up 2 feet of insulation in your walls that, if you live in Wisconsin, your furnace won't ever kick in. Well, the truth is that all 4 feet of wall insulation won't be much good if cold air is leaking in from some crack or hole.

DIY homeowners who install their own windows often make the mistake of not completely sealing off the hole before putting the molding back on. This added to the fact that expansion and contraction may widen the gap there is a lot of cold air getting in. Gaps also can occur with old windows.

The basement is a terrible place for leaks. Up above the foundation there is a rim joist which is attached to the edges of the joists. Even though this is insulated the shrinking of the wood may open up a series of tiny fissures which, when added together, may equal a big heat wastage.

The key here is to go around you home and pinpoint these leaks. if you are careful you can take the exterior moldings off the windows with out hurting the paint and then go around the window with a sealer like canned foam or caulking.

All the rim joist areas should be foamed as well as entries like conduit, water pipes and sewer. because as the home ages old caulking comes loose exposing spaces which can allow moisture, cold air and insects.