Friday, August 15, 2008

Handy Women Hints #5

Sorry ladies, I know I promised you a surprise but I need to work on my PS CS3 skills some more. I am working on it. I am sure that you are not disappointed with the Mascot. He is nice on the eyes. "J" just ignore the low rise jeans. It is true "beauty is in the eye of the beholder" and he sure is beholden to these eyes.

10 Ways to Seal Air Leaks
1. Install an airtight dryer vent.
2. Fill gaps around the electrical boxes in your home. This is easy to do with a spray foam. Remove the light switch or plug in cover and spray foam around the outside of the box. This is especially important for exterior walls. Easy fix girls.
3. Seal leaky windows. If you do not want to seal the entire window, a quick, removable caulk does the job. Seal spaces with caulk and do not flatten with finger. In the spring pull caulk off and clean with mineral spirits.
4. Option 2 for leaky windows. If you do not like the look of caulk, seal them with plastic film. A 13.00 kit seals 5 3X5 windows. With a hair dryer, a pair of scissors this is an easy project.
5. Stop under the door air leaks. If you can feel air or see day light you are paying big time. Fix this problem by adjusting you threshold or install a new door sweep. The hardest part about a new sweep is taking the door off the hinges.
6. Caulk and cover room air conditioners.
7. Fill gaps under sinks. Make sure you look behind the escutcheon cups on your pipes. Even in new houses this can be a problem. Look in your cabinet, behind the escutcheon cup (the movable cap around the pipe that goes into the wall). Fill with a spray product called Great Stuff. Wear gloves when working with this products. Wear gloves, it is very hard to remove from you hands. It also works great to seal Christmas tress in pots. I have been there done that. That is why the next time the Mascot will straighten my tree and seal.
8. Finding air leaks. Finding air leaks can be tricky. Close all windows and door, turn off all fans and A/C, furnace units. With a lite incense, walk around all exterior openings. If you see the smoke moving in or out you have found an air leak. Seal it.
9. Stop air flow up the chimney. Make sure you have a working chimney flu. Check glass doors for air leaks. If you never use your fireplace, a chimney balloon is great. Just be aware that a chimney leak is the biggest problem in your house. Do not forget to have a chimney sweep come once a year to clean and inspect you chimney. Flammable substance can build up in chimneys and become a serious fir hazard.
10. Seal small attic holes with foam and caulk.
With fall and winter right around the corner these tips should help keep you warm and richer this season.