3 DIY Energy Efficient Home Upgrades To Make Before Winter
3 DIY Energy Efficient Home Upgrades To Make Before Winter
With winter on its way, now is the perfect time to make energy-efficient home upgrades that will save you money in the long run and keep you and your family warm during these upcoming cold months. As temperatures drop, home energy efficiency upgrades become increasingly important for keeping your home comfortable and your bills manageable. Per the Department of Energy, heating costs make up around 29% of your utility bill, so taking steps to improve efficiency is vital. Fortunately, there are simple upgrades you can easily make to prepare your home for the winter. Here are three DIY energy-efficient home upgrades to help you stay warm while keeping energy costs low.
Sealing Leaking Windows with Caulk
Leaky windows are one of the leading causes of energy loss in homes, accounting for about 30% of heating energy loss and allowing up to 76% of sunlight to turn into heat during cooling seasons. Our team of energy efficiency experts advises that sealing your windows with caulk is an easy but highly effective method to prevent air leaks, helping you save on energy costs by keeping warm air inside and blocking out cold drafts. While window coverings can aid in temperature control, properly caulking your windows offers a much greater impact on reducing your energy bills. Experts recommend reapplying caulk every five to ten years, especially if gaps around your windows or doors exceed the width of a nickel.
To check for air leaks, you can perform a simple candle test. Light a candle and trace the window’s outline. If the flame pulls in one direction, there's a draft. For harder-to-detect leaks, have someone outside use a hairdryer around the window while you watch for any candle flickering inside.
When sealing window frames:
- Clean the areas to be caulked, remove old paint or caulk with a putty knife, and let the surface dry.
- Apply the caulk at a 45-degree angle in a steady stream, ensuring it adheres to both sides of the seam.
- If the caulk overflows, push it back into the crack with your putty knife.
- Reapply if necessary, ensuring a smooth and complete seal.
For an extra layer of insulation, consider the Duck Brand Indoor Insulator Kit. It's easy to install, reusable, and includes enough material to cover five 3x5 windows. This kit offers an additional barrier against energy loss, ensuring lower energy bills both in the short and long term.
Resealing Doors and Adding Weatherstripping
One of the most common areas where heat escapes is around your doors, even when they’re shut. Our best fix is to add weatherstripping to doors leading outside, to the basement, or to the attic is a simple DIY upgrade that stops drafts and improves energy efficiency.
Movement in your doors, while closed or seeing daylight around the frame, can indicate gaps. By applying weatherstripping around the door frame and installing a door sweep at the bottom, you can seal out the cold air that often seeps in. This affordable improvement not only enhances comfort during the winter months but also helps retain cool air in the summer, reducing both heating and cooling costs.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, selecting the right weatherstripping material is key. Opt for durable options like reinforced vinyl, foam, or silicone, which can withstand temperature fluctuations, friction, and the daily wear of opening and closing doors. These materials are highly effective in sealing gaps between the door and frame, preventing energy loss and ensuring your home stays efficient.
Proper weatherstripping can prevent up to 40% of your home’s energy loss, while also protecting against moisture that could lead to mold and structural damage.
Attic Insulation – A Key Winter Upgrade
Attic insulation is essential for keeping your home warm and energy-efficient during the winter. Just like layering clothing to retain body heat, properly insulating your attic prevents warm air from escaping, helping to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. Before the cold sets in, inspect your attic’s insulation to ensure it’s up to standard.
For budget-friendly options, consider using fiberglass batts which are cost-effective and easy to install. Installing batt insulation is a straightforward DIY project—simply measure your attic’s dimensions to purchase the right amount of insulation, and lay the batts between the joists without compressing them. Be sure to leave room for proper ventilation.
Just like windows and doors, your attic door can also be a source of air leaks. Attic door insulation is essential for maintaining your home's energy efficiency by preventing heat loss in winter. This simple, cost-effective upgrade can significantly reduce your heating and cooling expenses while enhancing overall comfort.
An attic door insulation cover, sometimes called an attic stair cover or stairway insulator, helps seal off the attic space. It typically features thick, insulating material attached to a frame that fits over the attic stairway. Some covers are designed for permanent installation, while others can be easily removed for attic access.
These covers work by creating a barrier between the attic and the living area, helping to keep warm air inside during the winter and cool air in during the summer. Available in various sizes and materials like foam, fiberglass, or cellulose, attic door insulation covers are easy to install. Adding one of these covers to your insulation strategy is a straightforward and effective way to boost your home’s energy efficiency and comfort year-round.
Conclusion
As winter approaches, taking proactive steps to enhance your home’s energy efficiency is crucial for both comfort and cost savings. By focusing on these three DIY upgrades—sealing leaking windows with caulk, adding weatherstripping to doors, and improving attic insulation—you can significantly reduce heat loss, lower your energy bills, and ensure a warm, cozy home throughout the cold months. These simple, energy-efficient home upgrades not only make your home more comfortable but also contribute to long-term savings on heating and cooling costs. Get started on these upgrades now to enjoy a more efficient and comfortable winter season.
