The cold weather is coming, and you’ll need to take action if you want to get the most protection out of your home. If you’re an ambitious do-it-yourselfer, you can seal and tape your own home. This will not only keep the draft out, but can actually save you money in terms of energy expenditure. Making sure all doors, windows, and rooms are sealed tight is a cost cutting, energy efficient house. Check out this article for tips.

Check for any Cracks

First off, examine the areas around your windows and doors. Should you find gaps, holes, or any opening, you know where to start. Should you have the ability, the easiest way to check for gaps is via smoke. If smoke goes from one side to the other, there is very clearly a leak somewhere in the weatherization. Otherwise a visual check is all that is needed and then proceed to the next step: seal it up.

You will need the following

  • Utility knife
  • Caulk gun
  • Caulking
  • Door sweep
  • Rags
  • Gloves
  • Dust mask
  • Duct tape
  • Safety glasses
  • Weather stripping
  • Tubular pipe sticks
  • Fiberglass pipe wrap

Caulking up the Leaks

"Caulk is cheap." -Keith Swilley

Once you locate the root of the issue, the next step is to get some caulk in there. Filling in the gaps is the best way to combat any air (and thereby heat) leaking from your home. This will conform to the area perfectly and block any passage of air. Caulking is the most efficient way of keeping your doors, walls, and window sills energy efficient.You can cut the tip of the caulk to give it an angle by which to fill in the holes; a 45 degree one should do nicely. Once completed, cap the tip for later reuse.

Weather Stripping around Doors

For many homes, weatherstripping is a cost effective method by which to keep the warm air in during winter, and cool the house down during summer. This is accomplished simply by locking the air in your home to increase the energy efficiency of your doors. Just apply foam tape, V-strips, and of course, door sweeps. This will ensure that the frame around the door retains as much heating and cooling as possible. It won’t cost much and the savings will pay for themselves.

Don’t Forget about Pipes!

Before attempting to insulate your piping, be sure to clean off and mud, dirt, or mildew with a rag thoroughly. Then you can apply the fiberglass pipe wrap. This insulation protects against extreme cold weather bursting your pipes, and it also help insulate heat better so you’re not wasting any energy getting hot water. Pay attention to the R-value of the insulation material, as this is the key component in saving money. Otherwise wrapped up piping is efficient piping.

Other Ways to Save

There are a number of other methods you can use to insulate your home, such as:

  • Disconnecting outdoor garden hoses
  • Caulking outdoor pipes
  • Maintaining pipes
  • Insulate attic stairs
  • Installing glass fireplaces
  • Caulk electrical outlets and switches
  • Spigot covers
  • Faucet covers
  • Insulate attic walls
  • Insulate basement floor
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So this winter prepare for the cold and weatherize your home. Not only will the process pay for itself over time, it can make your house a happier, more energy efficient residence. So get the caulk and weather stripping out and ready, because this season the cold doesn’t stand a chance.