11/20/2020
DIY HOME INSULATION TIPS FOR WINTER
1. Seal drafty doorways: Use rubber weatherstripping to fill spaces between the sides and bottom of your door and the door frame. If the space between the bottom of the door and your floor is extra large, you can use a double draft stopper.
2. Add insulation to drafty windows: You can buy plastic sheeting (albeit not very attractive) with double-sided tape at almost any store, stick the sheeting to the walls/window sill and tighten the plastic by blowing hot air on the sheeting with a hairdryer. It’s easy inexpensive, and helps seal off windows for the winter months.
3. Insulate the attic: Use Unfaced Insulation in your attic to prevent the heat from rising and only heating the attic instead of your living spaces. Purchase rolls of it and unroll it on the floor of your attic. Make sure the spaces between the joists are full of insulation, and when that is complete, you can go a step further and apply a second layer that runs perpendicular to the joists. This can make a significant impact on your energy bills and is probably one of the most efficient energy saving options.
4. Insulate your water heater: By essentially putting a "jacket" on your water heater; you can keep your water warmer during the cold months without having to use excess energy to heat it. All you have to do is buy a fiberglass jacket from a home improvement store and wrap it around your water heater like a blanket. Adding this extra layer of insulation will reduce heat loss drastically, and you will recoup the money you spend in just a few months with all the money you’ll be saving.
5. Stay up to date with HVAC Maintenance: It is essential for the efficiency of your HVAC system that you keep up with regular maintenance.
6. Install thick curtains for winter months: If your home has very drafty windows, it would be smart to invest in some long, thick, and heavy curtains. Hanging these thicker curtains will help dramatically when it comes to keeping the cold out and the heat in. If your windows are particularly drafty, it’s recommended to use curtains that have a thermal back for an extra layer of protection against the cold breeze.
It is always a good idea to have your furnace checked (before the winter months arrive) so you are not in a jam when you go to use your heater and find out it is not working.
Be proactive and schedule an appointment today.