Winter is officially here, and with winter comes low temperatures and high energy bills. But it doesn’t have to be that way, and with the help of the See, Feel, Seal campaign – and a talking seal – you’ll be on your way to saving money, the electrical grid and the planet. How? Through air-sealing.
What Is Air-Sealing?
A type of weatherproofing, air-sealing is the act of plugging holes in your home to keep warmth in and the cold (and other things) from coming in. American Efficient estimates that roughly 90% of American homes have air leaks, so it’s likely a problem that affects your home.
How does air-sealing help my home and the environment?
When cold air leaks into your home, your HVAC system has to work harder to effectively heat your home. This, in turn, drives up demand for electrical power and puts further stress on the electrical grid, in addition to the demands from other users. Since many electrical systems rely on fossil fuels or nuclear energy to generate power, it’s best to try and conserve energy wherever possible.
Air-sealing can also be beneficial if you experience allergies or other environmental irritations. The bigger the cracks and holes in and around your home’s edifice, the more likely it is that pollen and other allergens will be able to enter and play havoc with your sinuses. Sealing your home will also keep vermin like mice and bugs out of your home as well.
Fortunately, air-sealing is a cheap and easy way to keep your costs down, and your efforts will benefit every system down the line. According to the campaign, you could reduce air leakage from your home by as much as 40%, so the benefits are considerable.
How can I tell if my home needs air-sealing?
To see if your home needs air-sealing, your first two steps are:
- See. Do you see daylight in the space around your doors, floorboards or window frames? How about the space around pipes or wiring around your plumbing and light fixtures?
- Feel. Pass your hand over the cracks, gaps and holes that you have found. Do you feel a draft? If the answer is yes, then it’s time to seal it!
How can I air-seal my home?
Like the seal says, it’s easy peasy! The See, Feel, Seal campaign will tell you everything you need to know to take advantage of this easy fix, all from the mouth of a seal with a silly accent.
At The Home Depot, we advocate for small changes that make a big impact, and the See, Feel, Seal campaign is a perfect fit in the world of Eco Actions. To learn more, visit their website at www.seefeelseal.com and their YouTube channel. Happy sealing!
Are there any recommended products to help?
Start with any of the products from Great Stuff. Whether you have small cracks, big gaps or window drafts, Great Stuff makes a spray foam that forms an airtight and water-resistant seal. It’s paintable, sandable and stainable, too. Shop for Great Stuff spray foam at homedepot.com.
