Waukesha County Home

HOME OCTOBER 2021 6 From Page 5 At the top of the home, don't forget about the attic. "Go into your attic and check the thick- ness of the insulation," suggests Miller. "It should be 16-18 inches deep. Not only does insulation keep your home warm, it pre- vents heat from escaping through the roof, which is another factor in preventing ice dams." When heat leaks from a roof, it melts the rooftop snow, which then runs down the roof and can freeze in gutters and under shin- gles. In addition to roof problems, the water can damage ceilings and walls inside the home. And, even though it's in the basement and out of sight, homeowners should pay atten- tion to their furnace. That means changing the filter regularly and getting a yearly fur- nace tune up. It's also important to check for and appro- priately seal drafty windows and doors with caulk since small air leaks can add up to sig- nificant heat loss and higher energy bills. In older homes, fall is the time to replace win- dow screens with storm windows and install the storm door. If any pipes or ducts travel through an exterior wall of the house, caulk and weather-stripping can help keep cold air out. For a thorough evaluation of how to make a home airtight and energy efficient, con- sider a home-energy assessment. High-tech tools such as infrared cameras are used to identify where heat is escaping and cold air is entering. A detailed report provides rec- ommendations on ways to save energy while improving the comfort, longevity and safety of the home. In some cases, Focus on Ener- gy provides rebates for energy efficient improvements that homeowners make. Fireplace safety A chimney inspection and cleaning is another smart move before cold weather set- tles in. According to Howard Rowell, a master sweep, owner of Royal Chimney Service and a member of NARI Milwaukee, a chimney inspection and cleaning takes approximate- ly an hour and includes both the indoor and outdoor elements of the chimney – flue, smoke chamber, smoke shelf, damper, fire- box, chimney liner, bricks, crown, flashing, cap and mortar joints. It's not just woodburning fireplaces that should be checked. "Gas fired fireplace inserts and direct vent gas fireplaces also require an annual inspection and cleaning to remove creosote and carbon deposits on the ignition surface, burner and safety sensing controls," says Rowell. "We also inspect the chimney flue and vent for nesting material from birds, squirrels, wasps and bees." To find reliable and trustworthy contrac- tors who can help prepare a home for win- ter, visit the NARI Milwaukee Home & Remodeling Show at State Fair Park Oct. 15- 17. Winter

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