January is the coldest and snowiest month of the year in Nova Scotia. In HRM we have already experienced temperatures that have ranged from 6⁰C to -16⁰C and windchills up to -25⁰C and we could endure more of the same in the coming weeks. With that, we’ll want to try to keep our homes as cozy and warm as possible. One of the best ways to stop cool outside air from entering and heat from escaping our living spaces is to eliminate as much drafting as we can.
There are several relatively easy and inexpensive ways to eliminate drafts in homes and to save on heating expenses.
Doors: Running your hands slowly around the inside perimeter of exterior doors is a simple way of determining if cold air is coming into a room. If this is happening, it is likely that the weatherstripping may need replacing and that a possible gap at the bottom of the threshold needs to be adjusted. Gaps at the bottom may be remedied by installing a door skirt as well.
Windows: If windows are cold and drafty, one of the cheapest ways to reduce heat loss and prevent condensation is to purchase a plastic window insulator kit from your favourite building supply/hardware store. These do a great job and are simple to install with a hairdryer and can be easily removed in the spring.
Electrical Outlets: Holding your hand over outlets will let you know if cold air is coming through. If this is the case, get a foam insulation kit and easily install it for each outlet.
Piping: If you have an outdoor water hose, cool air may be coming in from where the piping attaches to the outside spigot. This air leak can be dealt with by stuffing some insulation batting from inside.
Fireplaces: Keeping fireplace dampers closed while not in use can minimize heat loss and reduce much of the colder air coming down the chimney.
At Scotia Fuels, we want to continue to keep our customers reminded of ways they can stay comfortable by heating their homes as efficiently and economically as possible. Not yet a customer? Please contact us through our website at https://scotiafuels.com/contact-us/ or better still, call us at 902-453-2121. We’d love to talk with you.