You can reduce your wintertime heating bills significantly by getting serious about winterstripping. Beyond the obvious gaps under doors and around windows, an energy audit conducted by a licensed technician can help you find the out-of-the-way places you might overlook. The next step is to figure out how much striping you’ll need. Calculate the parameters of all the doors and windows you plan to strip and add 10% for waste.
Then it’s time to decide what types of striping you want to use. There are a variety of options, including vinyl, foam, felt and tape. Each has its benefits and shortfalls, based on factors such as usage levels, budget and outdoor exposure. Finally, it’s time to get to work. Make sure your surfaces are clean and dry and avoid working in extreme hot or cold weather. Measure carefully and use one continuous strip whenever possible. And for more “strip tips,” visit the Department of Energy’s website here.