Are you feeling uncomfortable due to a draft in your home? Are you always cold, even though your heat is running around the clock? When we get chills, we often bundle up or crank the thermostat, but both options have downsides.
Thankfully, there’s a way to avoid making such compromises. Winterization can save you a lot of money in the long run. By adding door, window, and wall insulation, you’ll put less stress on your heating system and conserve energy.
If your heating system ever does have a breakdown, Select Home Warranty is here to shield your wallet from costly repairs. Until then, practicing proper maintenance and ensuring your heating system runs efficiently will keep your household feeling comfortable 24/7.
By following this guide on how to winterize your house, you could save money, improve the lifespan of your heating system, and enjoy a more comfortable indoor climate all year long.
How to insulate doors.
When it comes to doors, people are always coming and going. This causes a draft, but there are steps you can take to limit the effect doors have on your home temperature.
The best way to prevent drafts is to install a storm door. A storm door is a lightweight outer door that reduces the time your front door allows air through. More importantly, when both doors are closed, the storm door acts as a buffer from the wind. This limits damage to your front door and stops drafts from coming in. Placing a door sweep or draft stopper at the foot of your front door will help with subtle drafts as well.
You might find that the weather stripping around your door has worn away. There is usually a groove around the door frame for weather stripping, and drafts can easily enter the home if the stripping is gone. The type of material you choose depends on how tough the stripping needs to be and how tightly the door closes. Popular v-strips can make it difficult to close doors, while felt or foam tape degrades quickly.
To install weather stripping, wash the groove with warm soapy water. Then cut the strips carefully to align at each corner of the door frame. Any gaps will cause a draft, so measure twice and cut once!
How to insulate windows.
Windows are known to cause chills. Some windows in your home might be older than others, so it’s important to check each one for issues. Most of the time, you’ll find that either the stripping is worn away, or the windows are just old and can’t be insulated very well.
For winterizing your windows, you may decide to add weather stripping with the same v-strips used for your doors. Use soapy water to clean around the grooves. Then apply the stripping carefully.
For older windows, there is clear window film you can purchase that adds an extra layer of insulation. If the problem window is in an area of the home that is not public facing or is relatively hidden, a piece of cardboard taped closely to the window pane will also work. It’s effective, but it won’t be very pretty.
For both window types, hanging curtains can help to keep cool air in a pocket around the windows. Blackout curtains (thick curtains meant to keep the sun from shining through) will be the most insulating.
How to insulate walls.
You might find that part of your attic is wearing away and needs to be patched with insulation. These are likely exterior walls that can be insulated by cutting a hole through the wall and filling it with loose-fill insulation. Another option is to insulate the walls by measuring the dimensions between each stud and placing a cut piece of insulation board or insulation blanket in-between.
If the problem area is a garage or porch, solutions may vary. Some people choose to hang blankets or sleeping bags on their walls as an extra layer of defense against the cold. This has the added benefit of preventing sound from passing through the wall, but we don’t recommend it, as this can be a fire hazard.
Garage doors require their own insulation, done with v-strips, while your porch will likely have windows and doors that are the true culprits for wasted energy. Both areas may benefit from a space heater that you will be able to use while you’re in the room.
Are you having trouble with your heating system? Submit a claim with Select and we’ll connect you with a service technician in no time.
