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Show 12 NB The Salt Lake Tribune/Deseret Morning News,Saturday, December20, 2003 __ Eliminate drafts in home (NAPSI) Homeowners can avoid one of the great pains of home ownership drafts. Drafts are annoying because they creep up on people when they are most vulnerable glancing out the windowfirst thing in the morning, toweling off after a warm shower ot taking off snow-covered shoes next to the front door According to Keith Hahn of Handyman Connection, one of the nation’s largest home-improvement companies, drafts also cost homeowners money those ‘Drafty windows and doors can increase a homeowner's heating costs by as much as 20 percent,” says Hahn. Older homes are especially vulnerable, but even new homes can develop drafts as they settle. Hahn advises homeowners to check each of their windows and doors at least once a year to locate energy-sapping drafts. Once located, drafts can be mini mized or eliminated altogether with some basic do-it-yourself skills lhe simplest and most common solution, says Hahn, is using caulking cord to seal windows from the outside. Caulking cord is available at just about any home improvement store, Just unroll the cord and use your fingers to press the cord into the creases between the sash and the windowcasing. ‘Make sure you also seal the space between your top and bottom sash,” Hahn adds. Exterior sheeting is another option for sealing windows. Whilethis option may not beas aesthetically pleasing, plastic sheeting is very effective at insulating windows. Pre-fabricated sheeting kits are widely available. Simply follow the manufacturers directions for installing the sheeting. “If you're uncomfortable on ladders or with your own DIYskills, you should consider hiring a pro to install sheeting,” cautions Hahn Around doors, check the weatherstripping on the inside of the door frame to ensure that it is still intact and supple enough to providea tight seal. If you can see gaps, or if the weather stripping is no longerresilient, it’s time for replacement. Materials are readily available, but this installation is a little more difficult. Hiring a professional to install new weatherstripping around doors might be a wise option, says Hahn, “especially considering the money you'll save by keeping your house sealedtightly.” Other common but often forgotten sources of drafts are the spaces around exteriorelectrical outlets and faucets. Both caulking cord and canned foam insulation work well for sealing these spaces. Elegantly Grand, unobstructed city and lake views over 9,667sq. ft. w/3 master suites, (6 total bedrooms), mother-in-law, 4 car garage, come andsee all the extras. Will consider contract and trade. MLS #388537 E. (965S.) 6 bdrm, 8,754 sq. ft. MLS #322280 Price reducedfrom $1,350,000 to $1,250,000 gts GRI, CRS, SALESPERSON OF THEYEAR, CERTIFIED INTERNATIONAL SPECIALIST aati CAPABLE OF WORKING WITHALL LANGUAGES 801-598-7022 gary@HuntsmanGroup.com www.HuntsmanGroup.com a “i AN HUNTSMAN ea LOCAL! LOCAL! Local Processing! Local Decisions! Local Underwriting Wonderful large home in quiet culde-sac, 2,000 sq. ft. mother-in-law apartment. Mature landscaping. REZ UX ES 2 Gorgeous! 4800 sq.ft. vaulted ceilings, granite counters, wonderful yard w/ block wall and vinylfence. MLS #395755 te : LOCAL! Local Experts! New Construction Specialists i Craig Steel Holly Stirling Randy Warner Danell Andersen “We’re Your Lender For Life” American Home Mortgage Corp. 6415 South 3000 East, Suite 230 Salt Lake City, Utah 84121 801.733.6304 oar" |