Weather Stripping and Caulking

These energy losses and "gains" directly affect the heating & cooling costs of your building. Reducing these undesirable transfers of energy will save you money.

1. Air Infiltration
   Fresh air is an absolute necessity for a healthy work environment. However, too much fresh air, or air that enters at uncontrolled locations, can be costly from an energy perspective, and also lead to an uncomfortable work environment. Note that any effort to reduce air infiltration should include a review of the fresh air needs of the work space.

   Caulking and Weather-stripping are the most cost-effective methods of saving energy, by reducing the amount of air infiltration around doors, windows, and building corners. These measures should be the first line of attack against wasting energy.
   
   

2. Conduction through Ceilings/Walls/Floors
   Insulation is your primary defense against heat loss or gain through the exterior surfaces of your building and can be a relatively easy method of saving energy.

   You should also review the insulation value of your windows. Multiple pane windows, some with inert gases in between each pane, can provide more than double the insulating capabilities of your existing windows.
   
   

3. Thermal Radiation
   One example of thermal radiation is the heat you feel when sitting in direct sunlight. Not only can thermal radiation add too much energy to your building, but the heat inside your buildings can radiate through your windows, resulting in energy loss. Reflective films can help to dramatically reduce the thermal radiation losses. You should consult an expert to determine the appropriate application of these films. Another way to reduce thermal radiation is through exterior or interior window treatments which block or filter the transfer of thermal radiation.