As temperatures continue to drop and snow continues to accumulate, homes continue to get colder. Fortunately, however, there are ways to help keep your home warm during the harsh winter seasons.
1) Close and seal all windows
First of all, you should inspect every window in your home to make sure it is properly closed. Then lock the window. Blocking or latching the windows closed will prevent additional air from getting through. Next, stand near the window and use your hand to feel if cold air is still blowing into the house. If so, there may be inadequate caulking around the window or inadequate weather stripping.
You can inspect the outside perimeter of the window to determine if caulking should be applied. However, for the average person, it may not be clear if putty is needed. If you prefer this option, you should contact a window installation company or other home repair contractor to have them survey the area for you.
You can also add weather stripping to your windows. A weatherstrip is usually a self-adhesive material that is applied directly to the window (Google for more information). It’s much easier to tell if your window is missing weather stripping than caulking. Your local hardware store will have this item and it can be installed relatively easily. There are videos on YouTube that can walk you through step by step (search for “weather windows”).
You can avoid the two options mentioned above and simply apply a plastic seal window kit. This product can also be found at your local hardware store and is relatively inexpensive. Installation is not difficult. Again, there are YouTube videos that can walk you through the process (search “winter window insulation kit installation”). Just make sure you don’t have to open the window at all because once the plastic is stuck to the window, it can’t be removed without damaging the seal.
2) Thermal or Insulating Curtains
Regardless of the option you choose regarding your windows, consider using thermal or insulating curtains to prevent hot air from leaving your home. These curtains are specifically designed to keep the heat in and the cold out. This also means that these curtains prevent the air conditioning from escaping from the home.
Although the name may conjure up images of unsightly décor, curtains are much like any other type of curtain (google images). Prices range from $7 to $350, depending on the level of insulation, durability, and aesthetic design. If you’re already looking for shades for your home, consider insulated shades and their long-term benefits.
3) Close And Seal All The Doors
As with windows, make sure all doors are securely closed (and locked for security!). Run your hand along the bottom and up the sides of the door to see if you can see any air. If so, you should consider upgrading or applying new weather stripping.
Surprise, surprise, YouTube also has videos on installing door weatherstripping (search for “door weatherstripping”). If you can’t or prefer not to weatherstrip the door, consider simply placing a folded blanket, towel, or rug at the bottom of the door. Of course, this is not the best solution, but it will keep out unwanted cold air.
4) Space/portable heaters
Although a space heater won’t heat the entire house, it’s a great way to heat a single room. It’s also a great way to avoid turning up the thermostat.
Space heaters usually take a few minutes to start giving off heat, but once they start, they are capable of heating an entire room. You need to measure the room you want to heat so you can purchase a heater capable of producing enough heat for that area. Look at the product specifications or talk to a salesperson about it. Portable heaters are easily moved from one place to another because they are usually equipped with wheels or are lightweight so they are easy to lift.
Prices range from $20 to $100 or so, depending on style and size. Be sure to look for energy efficient space heaters as they will save you money on your electricity bill. Also, for safety reasons, keep space heaters a safe distance from other objects in the room and from your pets or children.
5) Insulation
Hands down, in my opinion, insulation provides the most protection from cold air. The downside is that insulation is also one of the most expensive ways to heat your home. It’s up to you to decide if the initial cost is worth the long-term benefits in reduced heating costs over the years.
There are a few different types of insulation available for homes. I’ll discuss the two main types here: (1) fiberglass insulation (pink) and (2) spray foam insulation.
Classic fiberglass insulation is still widely used and remains one of the least expensive types. This type of insulation does a good job of keeping cold air out and hot air in.
For its installation it is necessary to dismantle the walls to be able to place the insulation between the wooden beams. Once the drywall is removed, installation is really simple. You just have to lay a section of the insulation against the wood joists and then simply use a utility knife to cut off the excess to fit the insulation between the joists. Then you have to put the plasterboard back on. Altogether, it requires a lot of work, time and effort. If this isn’t a project you’d like to undertake on your own, consider hiring a professional to do the work.
Another type of insulation is known as spray foam insulation. This type of insulation is relatively new but is becoming more popular. It is highly efficient and, depending on the type of foam the company uses, it is environmentally friendly.
You can spray the foam yourself, but in my opinion it’s probably best to hire a professional. Improperly sprayed walls can lead to wall damage. Too much foam behind a wall can cause it to lean. Eventually, such a wall will likely need to be replaced. Also, spraying foam is a complicated job. The foam can end up covering objects that it was not intended to cover. Also, there are different types of foam for different parts of a house. Professionals are aware of this and will use the optimum insulation for the specific area.
Unlike fiberglass insulation, the entire wall does not need to be disassembled. It is only necessary to remove a horizontal section of the wall along the entire length of the wall. The foam is then sprayed behind the sheetrock where it covers every crack and crevice. Then, depending on the company, they will replace the plasterboard or, failing that, the owner will take care of it.
One potential drawback is that you’ll probably pay more for spray foam insulation. In fact, in some areas of the country you will pay much more. But, it is often said that spray foam insulation can reduce heating costs by 40% or more. So you need to decide if the initial price will be paid for through monthly savings on heating costs alone.
If you’re working on a budget, consider simply insulating your attic. Note that heat rises. It is estimated that approximately 40% of a home’s heat escapes through the roof and attics and that insulating the attic alone can save a homeowner 25% in heating costs. Therefore, insulating your attic will help keep the entire house warmer than it would be without the insulation.
Stay warm!
