Keep in Heating and Air Conditioning in Your Mason Home -- How Caulk Can Help

by Greg Leisgang on October 28, 2013

Posted in: Energy Savings

lady caulker-heating and air conditioning-mason, ohioNo matter how efficient your heating and air conditioning system, it can't keep you comfortable if your home is riddled with air leaks. In a leaky home, Mason's cold winters and hot, humid summers rapidly draw out conditioned air and let in outdoor air. Air sealing your home with caulk and weatherstripping helps prevent this. In some older homes, air sealing could reduce your heating and air conditioning bills by up to 20 percent.

Applying caulk also improves your indoor air quality by keeping out moisture and pollution. Better humidity control means fewer problems with condensation and mildew. With air leaks sealed, you'll also notice fewer uncomfortable winter drafts.

Where Caulking Helps

Caulk is appropriate for air leaks around non-moving surfaces, such as window frames. To weatherize your Mason home and help out your heating and air conditioning system, caulk the following areas:

  • Window and door frames
  • Baseboards and crown molding
  • Attic hatch
  • Utility lines and vents that penetrate exterior walls
  • Electrical outlets
  • Skylights
  • Fireplace chimney
  • Foundation sill plate
  • Where siding meets the foundation and roof

The Right Caulk for the Job

Before you buy caulk, check the label to make sure the product is up to the job you're planning.

  • Latex (acrylic) -- This caulk is an easy-to-apply, general purpose choice for sealing indoor areas where temperatures and humidity levels are relatively stable, such as baseboards and interior window and door frames. Sealing these areas is a must for getting the most out of your heating and air conditioning system.
  • Polyurethane -- Versatile and long-lasting, polyurethane caulk bonds well to most material, including wood, brick and metal. Its resistance to abrasion makes it ideal for filling in around floorboards.
  • Silicone -- Because it's waterproof and bonds well to non-porous surfaces, silicone is the best choice for glass and tile.
  • Butyl -- An affordable old standby, this weather-resistant, outdoor-use caulk works well for sealing siding, chimney flashing, gutters and concrete walks.


If you're not sure where the air leaks are in your Mason home, a heating and air conditioning technician can bring in professional equipment to identify them. For help air sealing your home or improving your system's efficiency, contact us at Tri-County Heating & Cooling anywhere in the Mason area.

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