Losing Leaks (Massachusetts)
During the winter months, you may notice drafts around windows and doors, which can make your home feel cooler. In many homes, the attic and the basement are where the most problematic air leaks are located. Warm air rises during cold weather, and when the air drifts up to your attic, cold air can be sucked into your home through leaks around doors, windows, and in the basement, wastingmoney andenergy used to heat your home.
Viewer Tip: One of the best ways to increase wintertime energy efficiency is to seal leaks around your home. Using caulk and other materials to seal leaks and insulate attics and crawl space areas can saveMassachusetts residentsbetween270and510 dollars per year on heating bills, depending on the type of fuel used in the home. You can find help for sealing leaks and insulating your attic space in the “Do-it-Yourself Guide to Energy Star Home Sealing:” www.energystar.gov/ia/home_improvement/home_sealing/DIY_COLOR_100_dpi.pdfc
Season: Winter
(Sources: US EPA EnergyStar. “Do-it-Yourself Guide to Energy Star Home Sealing.”http://www.energystar.gov/ia/home_improvement/home_sealing/DIY_COLOR_100_dpi.pdfc; The Alliance to Save Energy. “Massachusetts Energy Costs to Jump this Winter: Energy and Money Saving Tips for Consumers.” http://www.ase.org/extensions/state_facts/fact_sheets/MA.pdf)