IMPROVING insulation not only better protects your home, but it could also significantly reduce your electricity costs.
According to the Financial Guide website, Balance everythingthe average electricity bill in the country ranges between $65.33 and $88.10.
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The average gas bill is $80.
Additionally, inflation at all levels continues to weigh on the monthly expenses of many Americans.
Some might wonder how they can reduce the cost of their utility bills.
One clever way is to improve your home’s insulation using a method known as weatherstripping.
As part of this process, you use materials to seal any gaps, cracks, or air leaks in your home.
Some materials used for weatherstripping include v-bands, foam tape, door sweeps, and tubular rubber.
The use of weatherstripping is said to save up to 20% on heating and cooling costs.
Also, another thing you can try is caulking, which helps seal joints with less than a quarter inch.
the Windows
There are a few places in the house where you could look to improve the insulation, including the windows.
But keep in mind that there are costs associated with weatherstripping, which can depend on how many materials you need, whether you hire a professional or not, and where you live.
For example, for casement windows (which are cranked open), you may only need to tape the sides, top, and bottom to successfully seal them.
All you would have to do is apply tape to the top and bottom sides of the windows.
Foam tape averages $1.47 per linear foot, according to Home Service Professional Angi.
Other materials, including Fin Gasket, Felt, and V-Bands, cost 20 cents, 10 cents, and 25 cents per linear foot.
It costs about $100 per window to seal a window, Angi estimated.
Weatherstripping is said to take only 10-15 minutes per window.
Doors
When it comes to doors, there are several ways to caulk them.
The Ministry of Energy Noted that you can install wooden stops around the door. Next, you’ll want to tape the tops of the stops, which should form a tight seal.
For basement doors, you can apply a peel seal around the door and then add a door sweep.
Caulking an exterior door costs $64 and $94 for an interior door, according to Angi.
Curtains
Another good way to cut costs is to install curtains on your windows if you don’t already have them.
Curtains, especially in winter, prevent cold air from circulating throughout the room.
“Most conventional draperies” could reduce heat loss by up to 10%, according to the Department of Energy.
There are also other ways to reduce your energy bills.
Money-saving mom Becky Guiles shared four ways to do just that, including savvy thermostat and vampire plug tricks.
For more ways to cut your expenses, a money expert reveals how you could cut your internet bill by $40.
Plus, a money coach shows how a simple tip can cut your grocery bill by $250 a month.