BOWA Builders Recommends Weatherstripping in Homes to Save Energy and Money as Winter Drags On

McLean, Va. — BOWA Builders, a home transformation company specializing in the design and construction of large-scale additions and renovations, advises homeowners to utilize weatherstripping to reduce energy loss and heating bills as Washington, D.C. continues to face an uncommonly cold winter.

“Seven to 12 percent of a home’s heating and cooling loss occurs around windows and doors, as outside air leaks in and inside air escapes,” said Larry Weinberg, CEO of BOWA Builders. “These voids cause higher energy bills as the furnace or air conditioner works overtime to maintain a comfortable temperature in the home. Often a do-it-yourself project, installing and maintaining weatherstripping is a simple and effective approach to reducing the loss of energy and related dollars.”

Weatherstripping is the material placed around doors and windows to seal them against the loss of heat and air conditioning and to prevent the infiltration of outdoor air. Tiny gaps in these areas, along with places of intersecting materials and points where wires enter the home, can collectively equate to a one-foot square hole in the wall. Even if the home is well insulated, these small cavities cause heating and air conditioning bills to sky rocket, especially during the cold and blustery winter
greater Washington, D.C. is experiencing.

There are numerous types of weatherstripping available and different varieties are best suited for different types of applications, depending on durability requirements, method of installation and exposure to outdoor elements. As such, homeowners will likely need to use more than one type of weatherstripping around their homes, and should refer to the product description and carefully follow manufacturer’s installation instructions to ensure optimal results. The most popular types of weatherstripping include Tension Seal, Reinforced Foam, Rolled or Reinforced Vinyl, Door Sweep, Magnetic, Reinforced Silicone, and Interlocking Metal Channels. For more information, visit https://bowa.com/home-advisor/how-much-heat-is-your-home-losing.