Whether you love or dread the frosty winter temperatures, we all like to save money while staying comfortable in our home when the temperatures drop. By taking a few simple steps towards winterizing your home, you can achieve both goals!
Caulk (or Re-Caulk) Your Windows
If you are noticing cold drafts of air coming from your windows, you are likely paying more on your energy bill than you would like. This doesn’t necessarily mean that your windows need to be replaced. Instead, simply applying caulk around your windows and doors will go a long way to seal in those air leaks. Need a refresher on the proper steps to apply caulk? Here are some step-by-step instructions!
Add New Insulation
Making sure your home is properly insulated can go a long way towards significant savings on your heating bills. Reduce any air leaks by adding insulation to attics, floors and crawlspaces. You can handle this project yourself, or you can hire a home energy audit professional to evaluate your house and complete this project.
Replace Weather Stripping
Sealing gaps around doors and windows can make your home feel warmer while saving you 10 to 15 percent on your energy bills. Maintaining an airtight seal on your doors is essential for stopping cold drafts and keeping your home comfortable. Replacing door weather stripping on newer doors is easy. You can usually slide out the old door weather stripping and push or slide new vinyl or foam weather strips into the grooves in the door or the surrounding frame.
Apply Foam Sealers to Outlets and Switches
Not many people realize that outlets and switches on your exterior walls are cold-air culprits. Foam outlet and switch sealers are a budget-friendly solution that can be installed in just minutes. Just turn off the power, remove the outlet or switch cover, apply the foam sealers, and reinstall the cover!
Update Your Home Décor
Just like switching out your summer and winter wardrobe, you can do the same in your home décor by changing out curtains and rugs. You’ll notice improvement in the temperature of your space by hanging heavier curtains over drafty windows and adding area rugs over hardwood or tile flooring.
It’s not too late to keep winter’s chill out of your home with these easy DIY tips. It’s also not too late to consider buying a house either. Contact us today if you are thinking about looking for your next (or first) home!
