Check windows, doors for heat-robbing drafts From page 12 are uncertain about the type of wall construction. Basements and craw] spaces are traditionally neglected areas, ac- counting for up to 30 per cent of a home’s heat loss, It can be difficult to determine if a finished basement _ is insulated, so ask the realtor. Try to determine whether there are moisture problems in basement walls, and whether or not they can be easily remedied. Signs to look for include mold stains or a white or yellow powder on the wall. Cracks in the foundation wall may also pose a problem. From the exterior, make sure the ground is properly sloped so that water can drain away from the house. There should be good drainage around the foundation walls, as well as eavestroughs to direct water away from the wall. -Two important sites to check as potential sources of uncomfort- able, heat-robbing drafts are win- dows and doors. OCTOBER SALE In most cases; upgrading ineffi- cient windows is easy. However, if they are in poor condition and dif- ficult to repair, it might be beiter to replace them — an expensive proposition. Windows should have at least two panes of glass and be air seal- ed with caulking and weatherstrip- ping. Check the frame and the sill for signs of water damage and rot. The window type is also impor- tant; sliding windows are generally less efficient and harder to seal than windows that swing, such as casement and awning styles. Doors should be in good condi- tion, properly caulked and weatherstripped, and newer units should be insulated. Last but not least, you should note lifestyle differences between your family and the family selling the house. This is difficult to quantify but you should be able to make a rough estimate of the im- pact on energy costs of such fec- tors as the number of people in a MINI BLINDS at MINI PRICES! From now until October 31st, ub Contour is offering Levolor Monaco mini blinds at 30% . off regular department store prices. 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HE KIDNEY FOUNDATION OF CANADA We're out to make kidney disease obsolete. family, the number at home during the day, thermostat settings, the use of air conditioning, different types of appliances and their uses, and lifestyle habits (such as keep- ing windows open year-round). The energy walk-through is easy to perform and provides a quick and basic assessment of a home’s energy efficiency. It should be part of an overall house inspection, which also includes an evaluation of the home’s structural sound- ness, wiring and plumbing. Alternatively, you can hire a professional house inspector, ar- chitectural engineer, or building contractor to perform a detailed inspection as part of a conditional offer to purchase. And finaily, keep in mind that an energy-efficient house, with the potential to be made efficient, may still be a good buy. If the purchase price is right, you might enjoy the chalienge of improving the home’s energy performance. through a variety of projects. 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