Saving money is a good thing, especially when it comes to household expenses. During the summer and winter a lot of money is wasted on heating and air conditioning due to air leaking out of holes and cracks in ceilings, walls, floors and foundations. Lower the energy bill by sealing holes and cracks.

Reduce heating and cooling costs by as much as 30 percent through proper insulation and air sealing techniques. Plug air leaks with caulking, sealing or weather stripping to save 10 percent or more on the energy bill.

For a thorough and accurate measurement of air leakage in the home, hire a qualified technician to conduct an energy audit, particularly a blower door test. A blower door test, which depressurizes a home, can reveal the location of many leaks. A complete energy audit also will help determine areas in the home needing more insulation or other changes to increase the energy efficiency and comfort.

Use caulk to seal holes. Caulk exterior penetration areas, such as around utility entrances, pipes, vents and any cracks. Caulk where the materials meet but be careful not to caulk windows shut. If using foam caulk, read the label carefully. Understand how the caulk product reacts to temperature and moisture, which materials it is suitable for and whether or not it expands.

Be sure to use the correct type of caulk for various materials, such as metals, masonry, wood or combination materials. The size of the crack also will help determine what kind of caulk to use. For example, use rope caulk or another suitable material for cracks a quarter- or half-inch wide, then use the appropriate caulk.

Weather strip door bottoms, sides, sections of windows and areas such as the outside door to the attic. Select durable weather stripping. It may cost more, but will not have to be replaced as often. Weather stripping can save heating in the winter and air conditioning in the summer. Also, use natural ventilation when humidity and temperatures are lower.

Seal cooling and heating duct seams with mastic or appropriate approved tape. Sealing the seams allows the conditioned air to go where it needs to go, saving on the energy bill. Regular cloth backed duct tape is not an appropriate substitute for mastic because regular duct tape will not last with temperature changes. Researchers recommend mastic, butyl tape, foil tape or other heat approved tapes. Look for tape with the Underwriters Laboratories logo. Mastic is a soft pliable material that can be brushed onto the seams and may be ordered through some hardware and building supply stores. Wholesalers who deal with heating and cooling equipment also could be contacted for mastic.

Insulation also can help conserve energy. Ceilings usually need a rating of R-49, unheated crawl spaces need R-25 and walls need between R-18 and R-28.

Reduce your heating and cooling cost by checking your home and doing necessary maintenance and updates.

For more information on energy saving, go to: http://www.eere.energy.gov/consumer/

(This resource was updated August 2006 and appeared in the Lincoln Journal Star Newspaper Sunday edition. For information on reproducing this article or using any photographs or graphics, read the Terms of Use statement)

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