Windowsidoors
a draft source

From page 31

Signs of mildew, mustiness or
staining on the walis and ceilings
may indicate poor ventilation.

@ Insulation

When insulation is inadequate,
heat escapes through the walls,
basement, attic and ceilings. A
hone’s attic should have at least
10 inches of insulation.

Make sure hard-to-reach places
like dormer windows, cathedral
ceilings and knee walls are also
well insulated.

An atiic should also have ade-
quate ventilation in the soffits, as
well as on the roof and in the
gables.

Exterior wood-stud walls
should contain insulation — to
check for it look behind an elec-
trical outlet plate, but be sure to
disconnect the power to the outlet
before removing the plate.

The cavaties in double brick
walls should not be insulated. In-
sulation interrupts the important
drainage function or this space. If
you are uncertain about the type
of wall construction, ask the real-
tor.

Usually, craw! spaces and the
basement are neglected when it
comes to insulating even though
these spaces can account for as
much as 30% of the heat loss.

In most provinces, homes built
after the mid-1970s have been re-
quired to have partial-depth
basement insulation.

Basements can be insulated on
either the outside or the inside.
Generally, if there are problems
with excessive moisture, insulation
should be installed on the outside.
@ Windows and doors

Windows and doors can be a
prime source of cold drafts in a
house. Check to see if windows
and doors are air-sealed with
caulking at non-movable joints,
and weatherstripped at movable
joints.

A prospective buyer should also
examine the window frames and
sills for water damage or signs of
rotting wood.

If a door is in poor condition,
insulated doors with good
weatherstripping are available.

@ Lifestyle differences

Energy use can differ quite
dramatically because every family
has its own energy habits and
lifestyle needs.

Five people use more hot water
than three, for example. As well,
a parent and child staying home
during the day will have greater
energy needs than a couple work-
ing during the day.

Heating bills will probably be
higher if someone is home all of
the time.

The temperature of the house
and thermostat setting may be
warmer or colder to suit prefer-
ences -- the ideal temperature is
20°C.

Also, find out if the people liv-
ing in the house turn the thermo-
stat down when no one is home or
at night

Air-conditioning, the number
{and use) of appliances, and long
periods of vacancy are all factors
that will affect a home's energy
costs.

Although it is hard to determine
the exact impact different
lifestyles will have on a home’s
energy efficiency, you can
estimate what the general dif-
ference will be between the current
owner’s bill and your own.

It is important to take into ac-
count styles of tiving when
evaluating energy use in any
house.

& GARDEN SHOW

FEB. 34-23,1992

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Flegant;:
* “Peart Luxtre ,

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