As temperatures drop in New England, heating bills often rise. For homeowners in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut, sealing air leaks is one of the easiest and most effective ways to cut winter energy costs. Air leaks can waste up to 30% of a home’s energy, driving up bills and leaving your home drafty and uncomfortable. 🏡 In this post, we’ll explore how sealing air leaks can save you money, the best products to use (and where to buy them), and programs to help cover the costs.
Why Sealing Air Leaks Saves Money 💸
Air leaks often occur around windows, doors, attic hatches, and ducts, allowing warm air to escape and cold air to enter. By sealing these leaks, you can:
Reduce Heating Bills: Proper sealing can lower energy costs by 10-20% annually.
Improve Home Comfort: Say goodbye to cold drafts and uneven heating.
Enhance HVAC Efficiency: Your heating system won’t have to work as hard, extending its lifespan.
Top Products for Sealing Air Leaks 🛠️
Here are some of the best products you can purchase from Home Depot and Lowe’s to seal air leaks. We’ve included their costs, savings potential, and rated them by their return on investment (ROI):
1. Weatherstripping for Windows and Doors 🚪
Product Recommendation: Frost King Weatherstrip Tape (Home Depot)
Cost: $6-$15 per roll
Savings Potential: Can save up to 10% on energy bills by reducing drafts around windows and doors.
ROI: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Product Recommendation: Duck Max Strength Weatherstrip Seal (Lowe’s)
Cost: $9-$20 per roll
Savings Potential: Perfect for large gaps and high-draft areas.
ROI: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
2. Caulking for Cracks and Gaps 🏠
Product Recommendation: DAP Dynaflex 230 Premium Caulk (Home Depot)
Cost: $5-$7 per tube
Savings Potential: Sealing cracks and gaps can reduce heating and cooling costs by 5-10%.
ROI: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Product Recommendation: GE Advanced Silicone Caulk (Lowe’s)
Cost: $6-$9 per tube
Savings Potential: Long-lasting protection for exterior and interior gaps.
ROI: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
3. Door Sweeps and Thresholds 🚪
Product Recommendation: Frost King Door Sweep (Home Depot)
Cost: $10-$20
Savings Potential: Prevents up to 15% of heat loss under doors.
ROI: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Product Recommendation: M-D Heavy-Duty Door Sweep (Lowe’s)
Cost: $15-$25
Savings Potential: Ideal for high-traffic areas.
ROI: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
4. Expanding Foam for Larger Gaps 🌬️
Product Recommendation: Great Stuff Insulating Foam Sealant (Home Depot)
Cost: $6-$12 per can
Savings Potential: Perfect for sealing larger gaps and holes in attics, basements, or around pipes.
ROI: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Product Recommendation: Loctite Tite Foam (Lowe’s)
Cost: $8-$14 per can
Savings Potential: Improves insulation in hard-to-reach areas.
ROI: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Programs to Help Cover the Costs 💡
If you’re worried about upfront costs, New England offers several programs to help homeowners seal air leaks and improve home energy efficiency:
Mass Save (MA):
Offers free home energy assessments and incentives for weatherization improvements.
Learn more here. 🌟
RISE Engineering (RI):
Provides energy assessments and helps Rhode Island homeowners access rebates for air sealing and insulation.
Visit here. 🌟
Energize Connecticut (CT):
Offers rebates and low-interest financing for energy efficiency upgrades, including air sealing.
Explore more here. 🌟
Pro Tip: Schedule a home energy assessment to identify problem areas and access these programs. 📋
Save More by Tackling Energy Costs with Solar 🌞
Sealing air leaks is a great first step, but combining energy efficiency with solar power can maximize your savings. Solar panels reduce your reliance on expensive grid electricity, cutting your energy bills even further.
Talk to Us at Neighborhood Solar for a Free Consultation:
Ready to make a bigger impact? Contact us today to learn how solar energy can transform your home. Schedule a free consultation with one of our experts and start saving! 💬
Commentaires