Say Goodbye to Cold Air: How to Fix a Drafty House

Walking into a cold room during the winter is never a fun experience. A drafty house makes it hard to stay cozy and relaxes your comfort, when you should be resting.

These small air leaks force your heater to work much harder to keep up. You can stop the chill with a few simple projects this weekend to save money.

Find Every Cold Breeze

Detecting where the cold air enters is the top priority for any homeowner. You can use a lit incense stick or a damp hand to feel for moving air around frames.

Finding leaks is the first step to staying warm. You might need a professional window installation service in Charlotte, NC, for example, to get the job done right. If you can feel a breeze near the frame, it is time for a fix.

Check around electrical outlets and baseboards for hidden gaps that are hidden from view. Spots often leak air from the crawlspace or attic without being noticed by most people.

Fix Gaps In The Basement

The basement often stays colder than the rest of the living space in a house. Unsealed cracks in the foundation or rim joists let in freezing air from the ground.

A well-known home improvement network suggested that removing the excess moisture can make the basement more comfortable without any additional heat. Dehumidifiers help keep the air feeling warmer by reducing the dampness in the room.

Seal any visible holes with spray foam or caulk to keep the drafts away for good. This prevents the stack effect from pulling cold air up into your main floors through the floorboards.

Use Weatherstripping For Doors

Doors are a common culprit for heat loss in many older homes today. The space under the door or around the sides lets in a lot of frost.

Applying adhesive foam tape is a quick way to seal these tiny openings. It creates a tight seal when the door stays shut for a long time.

Check the door sweep at the bottom to see if it has worn out. Replacing a rubber sweep costs less than $15 at most hardware stores in your local area.

Apply Window Insulation Film

Old windows struggle to keep the heat inside where it belongs during the day. Adding a layer of plastic can help stop the transfer of cold temperatures through the glass.

One popular business magazine mentioned that window film is a cost-effective way to add an extra layer of protection to your windows. This clear material shrinks with a hair dryer to create a tight barrier against the wind.

It works well for windows that you do not plan to open during the winter. You can remove it easily when the spring weather finally arrives and the sun comes out.

Watch Your Utility Bills

High energy costs are a major sign that your home has many hidden leaks. When your furnace runs 24 hours a day, money is literally flying out the window.

A leading renovation publication reported that air sealing doors and windows can reduce heating and cooling costs by more than 20%. Savings add up quickly over a few cold months in the peak of winter.

Investing in better seals pays for itself in just a few short seasons. You will feel the difference in your wallet and your comfort level when the bill arrives.

Seal Attic Hatch Access

The attic is a place where heat escapes fastest since hot air rises to the top. If your attic hatch is not insulated, it acts like an open chimney for your heat.

Add a piece of fiberglass bat insulation to the top of the hatch door. Use weatherstripping around the perimeter of the opening to stop air leaks from entering the hallway.

• Measure the opening for a tight fit.
• Apply foam tape to the wooden frame.
• Glue insulation to the back of the panel.

Make sure the hatch fits snugly into the frame every time you use the stairs. A simple step keeps your expensive warm air from disappearing into the roof and out of the house.

Check Wall Outlets And Switches

Exterior walls have holes for electrical boxes that can leak air into the room. You might feel a draft coming from a light switch on a windy afternoon.

Foam gaskets are cheap and fit right behind the plastic cover plates of your outlets. Installing them takes about 2 minutes per outlet with a simple manual screwdriver.

• Remove the single screw on the plate.
• Place the foam gasket over the outlet.
• Replace the cover plate tightly.

A small fix prevents cold air from moving through the wall cavities and into your home. It is a detail that many people forget when winterizing their rooms for the season.

Add Thermal Curtains

Heavy drapes provide a physical barrier against the cold glass of your large windows. They help trap a layer of air between the fabric and the cold pane.

Keep them closed at night to hold the heat inside your living rooms and bedrooms. Open them during the day to let the sun provide free natural warmth for your floors.

Double-hung windows benefit most from these thick and heavy window treatments. You can find stylish options that match your decor while saving energy every single day.

Inspect The Exterior Caulk

The outside of your home needs protection from the elements to stay dry. Cracks in the siding or around window trim allow air to enter the wall structure.

Use a high-quality silicone caulk to fill any gaps you find on the exterior walls. This prevents moisture from getting in and causing rot in the wood.

Do this on a dry day when the temperature is above 40 degrees for the best results. Proper maintenance outside keeps the inside of your home much warmer and safer.

Fixing a drafty house does not have to be a massive chore for your family. Small steps lead to a much more comfortable living environment for everyone in the home.

Take the time to check your seals and add insulation where it is needed most. You will enjoy a warmer home and lower bills all winter long with these simple tips.

Here are some other articles related to your search:

• The Ultimate Guide to Winterizing an Older Charlotte Home Without Losing Its Charm
• How Cold Weather Conditions Influence Common Home Repair Needs
• Designing Winter Warmth With Less Energy and More Intention