Your home should be tested twice a year (once in the spring and again in the fall) to see if you are protected from energy loss, pollution, pests, and moisture. You can perform an inspection yourself by using one of three simple tests:

• Test #1: The dollar bill test: Place a dollar bill between the doorjamb or between the window sash and sill. With the door or window closed, attempt to remove the dollar bill. If it slides out easily, you are losing energy.
• Test #2: The flashlight test: Shine a flashlight around the edges of your door at night. If you can see light from the other side, you're losing energy.
• Test #3: The moist hand test: Pass a moist hand around the edge of your doors and windows. Where you feel a draft, you are losing energy. This test works best on cold, windy days.

With a professional energy audit, trained professionals with special equipment evaluate energy loss throughout your home. After considering the results, the professional will provide you with a list of recommended upgrades and repairs to improve your home’s overall energy efficiency. This total home approach is sometimes more efficient and effective than a DIY energy audit to set you on a path of comprehensive energy savings.

Below are resources to learn more about DIY and professional energy audits:

• Home Performance Program with Energy Star
• U.S. Department of Energy
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A common misperception in the marketplace is that silicone caulk is not paintable, but in truth there is an effective, easy-to-use paintable option for you to consider.

GE Silicone II* Paintable Silicone is a 100 percent waterproof and paintable caulk that performs like 100 percent silicone, but is paintable. Another option to consider is Groov* Exterior/Interior. It is not a silicone; instead Groov is a technology unlike anything on the market today.

100 percent Silicone Options:

GE Silicone II* Window & Door: An excellent choice for weatherization; three hour rain-ready and sun-/freeze-proof caulk for windows, doors, attics, and basements

GE Silicone II* W/D Supreme: An excellent choice for weatherization when you need extreme joint movement capability due to your home’s exposure to excessive hot or cold temperatures; 2x stretch and one hour rain-ready caulk for windows, doors, attics and basements

Paintable Options:

GE Silicone II* Paintable Silicone: If you need to paint after weatherizing, try 100 percent waterproof and paintable caulk that performs like 100 percent silicone.

Groov* Exterior/Interior: Groov caulk performs and lasts like silicone and is easy to apply and paint like acrylic. This combination of benefits means Groov won’t shrink, crack or crumble over time, tools easily, and is paintable after 30 minutes.

In short, yes. Silicone, unlike acrylic, remains permanently shrink-proof, crack-proof, and waterproof, providing long-term, sustainable energy savings.

But, it is no secret that when choosing between acrylic and silicone caulks, professionals occasionally cite ease-of-use and price as reasons why they sometimes choose acrylic instead of silicone. Sure, silicone may require a little more care to apply or even cost a dollar or two more, but when it comes to weatherization, silicone, not acrylic, is the superior choice.

Short on time but dedicated to results? Check out GE weatherization caulks. Working with silicone is more convenient than ever before! Once you choose a product, learn how to seal in just 5 easy steps.