How to Winter Proof Your Home

If you are struggling to stay warm or facing skyrocketing energy bills, it’s time to winter-proof your home. Our DIY tips and tricks have been proven in cold climates like ski chalets in the Alps, where chill winds can make a drafty cabin go from romantic and cozy to downright unbearable.

The main goal in winterizing your home is to keep the cold out and the warm in by finding sources of leaks. Many homeowners are surprised to learn how cracks and gaps less than a millimeter wide can contribute to costly energy bills and freezing indoor temperatures. Luckily, these problems are all an easy fix with basic DIY skills.

Doors & Windows

The most common winter leaks—and luckily the most easily fixed—are through doors and windows. There are several ways to address this issue. One is with storm windows and storm doors. These extra layers, when properly installed, can reduce the transfer of warm and cold air by up to 50%. Storm windows can be easily removed and stored during warmer months.

While you’re at it, you’ll want to caulk the exterior seams of all windows and doors and use weatherstrip tape on the inside joints. Window insulation film is another inexpensive solution. The extra bonus here is film can help during the summer, too. Choosing a UV-blocking film will reduce outside heat entering the home.

You’ll also want to invest in draft guards, which are plush rolls that slide under doors to keep drafts from blowing through. This works especially well for interior doors, since they typically have an inch or more of clearance at the bottom—just know that draft guards can make it harder to open and close the door if the guard is too large. You can use a rolled up towel for doors that are used more frequently.

HVAC System

Now let’s look at the actual source of your heat in winter months. Your HVAC system can struggle to be efficient if you have old or dirty filters. Replacing the furnace filter is inexpensive and can make a big difference in the cost of your heating bill.

You may also want to get down to the bones of your house and search your duct work for leaks. Turn the air on and feel around the seams and joints for escaping air. Cover leaks with metallic tape or with ductmastic, a product which is painted on with a brush. If you can’t reach your ducts, consider hiring an HVAC specialist. The cost of outside help will be far less than what you will save over many winters of more efficient heating.

Chimney 

If your chimney is whistling or your fireplace is cool to the touch, your chimney is a likely culprit in your winter heating issues. We know that heat rises, and no place is this more true than your chimney, which can carry heat from the ground floor all the way to the roof. During windy weather, it can also allow cold air to blow down. The solution is simple: a chimney balloon. These plastic balloons are placed inside the chimney and then inflated to fit, forming a tight seal to reduce air flow from both directions.

Water Heater

Finally, you’ll want to look for leaks from your water heater, but not water leaks. Un-insulated pipes can give off a lot of heat as the water travels from the water heater to taps, dishwashers, showers, tubs, etc. The larger your home, the more potential there is to lose heat as the water travels long distances. Wherever you can access pipes—by the water heater, under the sinks, etc.—you’ll want to wrap the pipes in insulation to conserve heat and save money on your energy bill. As a bonus, this insulation can also help prevent freezing and rupturing of pipes when you are away from home.