My friends at Simple Most helped me out with a few key ways to minimize the pesky drafts that sneak through your doors and windows (and sabotage any chance at a reasonable heat bill!) during the winter. This is as much a lesson for me as it is for you!
1. Use Weatherstripping
Weatherstrips are an inexpensive way to help seal drafty doors and windows.
2. Install New Sweeps
Replacing old door sweeps with new ones can make a world of a difference. This Old House‘s contractor, Tom Silva, recommends purchasing a wood sweep that can be painted or stained to match your or door.
To ensure a good fit, close the door, measure the length of the door, and cut the size you need. There are a few different kinds of sweeps (like heavy duty, drip-cap and brush) – asking an expert at your local hardware store which one is right for you will help ensure you get the best bang for your buck.
3. Use Foam Tape
Highly-sticky foam tape is a great weather-proofing alternative to doors that may be slightly warped and don’t have a true and snug fit. Simply cut to size and secure in the areas with a draft.
4. Apply Rigid Foam Insulation And Foil Stripping
Insulate windows with sash weights.
5. Apply Window Film
It looks like saran wrap and when put in place and heated with a hair-dryer, shrinks and seals drafty windows. Pro tip: recruit a friend to help hang on larger windows, it’s much easier that way!
6. Hang Insulated Curtains
Thermal curtains are a great way to retain heat in your home during the winter. The only drawback is to be most effective, they need to be closed. I personally prefer to let in as much light as possible during the winter months, so thermal curtains are not the best solution for me. As a note: thermal curtains do work well in the summer too, as they can help block out the suns’s hot rays.
7. Use A Door Snake
If you have a drafty window or door, these little snakes are a must-have in your home. Placed at the bottom of the door or window, these weighted fabric tubes help block out the unwanted chill. Get the DIY instructions here. Not crafty? Simply roll up a towel and place on the floor. It’s better than nothing.
8. Re-Caulk Your Windows & Doors
Over time, the caulking on windows degrades and may wear or peel away. Each fall, buy a tube or two of exterior caulking and make your rounds on outside of your home. Simply re-caulk old spots to help seal out drafts.
