How to weatherize your home
By Thumbtack Staff•Last updated Aug 21, 2023
Last updated Aug 21, 2023
Table of Contents
- 1. Identify air leaks.
- 2. Apply weatherstripping.
- 3. Use caulking.
- 4. Install low-e storm windows.
- 5. Add insulation.
- 6. Keep your gutters in check.
- 7. Inspect your roof.
- 8. Upgrade your window treatments.
- 9. Close your flue if you’re not using your fireplace.
- 10. Insulate your water heater.
- 11. Get an energy audit.
- Find weatherproofing services near you
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Are you dealing with mysteriously high energy bills? Do you notice chilly drafts in certain rooms in your house? If so, consider weatherizing your home.
Weatherizing (also called "weatherproofing" or "winterizing") can help make your home more energy-efficient, comfortable and warm. The best part: it's not as hard as you may think. Here's how to weatherproof your home for colder temperatures in the fall and winter.
1. Identify air leaks.
Air leaks can make it harder to maintain your home’s indoor temperature. If there are gaps and cracks, warm air can escape, which may cause you to raise the heat and increase energy bills.
Look for areas that aren’t properly sealed with caulk or weatherstripping. Start with a visual inspection of your home’s interior and exterior. Check around doors, windows, baseboards, crown molding, outlets, and any other gaps between building materials. Don’t forget the attic and basement.
2. Apply weatherstripping.
Weatherstripping helps seal gaps and cracks in your home. It’s made from materials like felt, foam, plastic, and metal, and you can buy it at a local hardware store. Apply it to windows or exterior doors to help keep air out.
Weatherstripping is also a good way to block drafts. However, foot traffic can damage it if it’s installed along the bottom of doors. Instead, use door sweeps or door draft stoppers for that area.
Tip: Install door sweeps on any door that leads outside. Not all doors are the same size, so be sure to measure your door before buying one.
3. Use caulking.
Caulking is another way to weatherproof your home and lower heating costs in fall and winter. Like weatherstripping, caulk can help prevent drafts and keep your home sealed.
But while weatherstripping is used for areas with moving parts, caulk is best for stationary areas. Use caulk to fill gaps near baseboards, window frames, crown molding, ceilings, and more.
4. Install low-e storm windows.
If you live in a cold area, low-emissivity (low-e) storm windows can help keep your home warm by trapping heat inside. They can also reduce drafts and air leaks. According to the Department of Energy, storm windows can reduce overall home air leakage by 10% or more.
5. Add insulation.
Additional insulation is another way to improve your home’s energy efficiency and comfort during colder weather. Consider insulating areas that may not already have insulation, such as:
- Basement walls and ceiling
- Attic walls and ceiling
- Exterior walls
- Ducts
- Flooring, especially floors above an unheated garage
- Crawl spaces
Installing insulation in these areas can be expensive. However, it’s one of the best ways to reduce heat loss in your home.
Pro tip: Check any existing insulation in unfinished areas to make sure it’s in good shape.
6. Keep your gutters in check.
If your roofing becomes damaged, water can seep through and damage your insulation. So ask yourself: When was the last time you cleaned your gutters? Cleaning them can help prevent damage that can be expensive to repair.
Check your gutters for debris, ice dams, leaves, twigs, and other buildup every few months. Whether you hire a professional or do it yourself, aim to have your gutters cleaned about every six months.
7. Inspect your roof.
Speaking of gutter cleaning, inspect your roof regularly to make sure there are no signs of damage. Check the exterior for missing shingles, cracks, and gaps, all of which can cause energy loss.
You should also inspect your roof from the outside and inside, in your attic or top floor. Look for signs of water damage, leaks, or openings.
If you suspect roof damage, it’s best to fix it right away. While roof repairs can be pricey, they usually get worse over time.
8. Upgrade your window treatments.
Bare glass windows may make a stylish statement in some homes, but they’re not the most energy-efficient. According to the Department of Energy, windows lose about 30% of a home's heating energy.
With that in mind, it’s a good idea to install shades or drapes to help regulate your home’s temperature. Look into the following:
- Blinds
- Insulated cellular shades
- Roman or roller shades
- Window quilts
- Silver or mirror-like window films
- Drapes with medium-colored fabric and white plastic backings
- Curtains
Did you know? Closing your shades or blinds during cold weather can help keep heat inside your home.
9. Close your flue if you’re not using your fireplace.
Cozy fires are a great way to stay warm on chilly nights. But when you’re not using your fireplace, make sure you close and check your flue to ensure it’s working properly.
Remember: hot air rises. If you keep the flue open without a fire going, warm air can escape through the chimney.
10. Insulate your water heater.
You may not think about your water heater often unless it stops working. But it can lose a lot of heat during the winter if it isn’t properly insulated.
The Department of Energy estimates that insulation could lower standby heat losses by 25% to 45%. That translates to 7% to 16% in water heating savings.
Covering your hot water heater with a blanket is an easy way to improve your home’s energy efficiency. Don’t use just any blanket, though, because that could pose a fire hazard. Instead, choose a specialized water heater blanket designed for this purpose.
Also, make sure your water heater isn’t leaking before you cover it.
11. Get an energy audit.
One last piece of advice: consider hiring a professional to conduct an energy audit on your home. A home energy audit, or assessment, can show how your home uses energy for heating, cooling, electricity, and water.
These pros can help identify air leaks, recommend repairs and improvements, and help you save money on energy bills over time.
Find weatherproofing services near you
Weatherproofing or weatherizing your home can help you withstand the elements, keep your home warm and comfortable, and save money on energy costs. You can complete the steps above, but why do it all yourself when there’s a professional nearby who can help?
Download the Thumbtack app today to find top-rated weatherproofing services near you. Compare pros, receive free estimates, and get ready to enjoy a cozier home.
Note about project costs included or linked in this article: Figures represent national average cost estimates using data provided by Thumbtack pros and additional research. These figures are for educational purposes only and may change at any time based on several factors. Your specific project details and local rates can affect costs.
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