How To Reduce Drafts And Boost Energy Efficiency Before The Snow Falls

One of the best ways to ensure your home remains warm and cozy is by reducing drafts and improving energy efficiency. Drafty areas can cause heat loss, lead to higher energy bills, and make your home less comfortable. Luckily, there are several easy and effective ways to seal drafts and optimize energy efficiency, especially for older homes. In this blog post, we’ll provide practical tips to help you reduce drafts in your home before the snow begins to fall.

Step-By-Step Guide To Reducing Drafts

1. Inspect Windows And Doors

Windows and doors are the most common sources of drafts. Over time, weather stripping can wear out, and gaps can develop, allowing cold air to seep in.

How to fix it:

• Check the seals: Examine the edges of windows and doors for any gaps or cracks. Pay close attention to older windows where seals might have deteriorated.
• Replace weather stripping: If the weather stripping around your doors or windows is damaged or missing, replace it. You can find affordable weather stripping at most hardware stores, and it’s relatively easy to install.
• Add door sweeps: Install door sweeps at the bottom of exterior doors to prevent drafts from coming in underneath. They’re simple to attach and can make a noticeable difference.
• Caulk gaps: Use caulk to seal any gaps or cracks around window and door frames. This will prevent cold air from sneaking in and warm air from leaking out.

2. Seal Attic Access Points

Hot air rises, which means it can easily escape through your attic if there are gaps or insufficient insulation. Sealing these access points is key to improving energy efficiency and to help reduce drafts in your home.

How to fix it:

• Add weather stripping to attic doors: Just like exterior doors, attic doors can be a major source of drafts. Apply weather stripping to the edges to ensure a tight seal.
• Check for gaps around ceiling fixtures: Gaps around recessed lighting, ceiling fans, and other fixtures can allow warm air to escape. Use caulk or foam sealant to close these gaps.
• Insulate the attic hatch: Insulate the attic door or hatch using a foam board to prevent warm air from escaping through this area.

3. Insulate Electrical Outlets And Switches

Electrical outlets and switches located on exterior walls can be a surprising source of drafts. Cold air can seep through these small gaps, leading to heat loss.

How to fix it:

• Install foam gaskets: You can buy inexpensive foam outlet gaskets that fit behind switch plates to help insulate these areas. Simply unscrew the switch plate, place the gasket over the outlet, and replace the cover.
• Use child safety plugs: Insert child safety plugs into unused electrical outlets to prevent drafts. This is a quick and easy way to stop cold air from coming through.

4. Upgrade Or Install Window Insulation Film

Window insulation film is a cost-effective way to add an extra layer of insulation to your windows. This plastic film can help prevent heat loss and reduce drafts, making your home more energy-efficient.

How to fix it:

• Apply window film: Clean your windows thoroughly and then use a window insulation kit to apply the film. The film is easy to install and can be removed once the weather warms up. This creates a barrier that helps keep warm air inside and cold air outside.
• Use heavy curtains: In addition to window film, consider using thick, thermal curtains to insulate your windows. They add an extra layer of protection and help to trap heat inside your home.

5. Check And Upgrade Insulation

Proper insulation is one of the most important factors in maintaining energy efficiency. If your home is poorly insulated, you’ll likely experience drafts and increased heating bills.

How to fix it:

• Inspect insulation in key areas: Check your attic, basement, crawl spaces, and exterior walls for proper insulation. If insulation is lacking or has deteriorated, consider upgrading it.
• Add insulation to pipes: Insulate exposed pipes, especially those in unheated areas like basements or crawl spaces. This will help prevent freezing during cold spells and improve your overall energy efficiency.

6. Seal Ductwork

Leaky ducts can account for a significant amount of heat loss. When ducts aren’t sealed properly, warm air intended for your living spaces can escape into unheated areas like basements or attics.

How to fix it:

• Check for visible leaks: Look for holes, gaps, or disconnected sections in your ductwork. Use metal-backed tape or mastic sealant to seal any visible leaks.
• Schedule a professional inspection: If you suspect that your ductwork is leaking but can’t identify the source, consider scheduling an inspection. Professionals can test your ductwork and seal any hidden leaks, improving your home’s efficiency.

7. Utilize Draft Stoppers

Draft stoppers are an easy and affordable way to block cold air from entering through gaps under doors and windows.

How to fix it:

• Use draft stoppers for doors: Place draft stoppers or door snakes along the bottoms of exterior doors to block out cold air. You can buy these or even make your own with fabric and sand or rice.
• Seal windows with draft snakes: Place draft snakes on windowsills where you feel cold air seeping in. This extra barrier will help keep warm air inside your home.

Why Energy Efficiency Matters

Improving your home’s energy efficiency isn’t just about saving money on utility bills—it’s also about creating a more comfortable living environment and reducing your carbon footprint. Homes that are well-sealed and properly insulated maintain a more consistent indoor temperature, use less energy, and produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions.

Conclusion

Reducing drafts and improving energy efficiency before the snow falls can make a big difference during the colder months. By inspecting your windows, doors, ductwork, and insulation, and making simple adjustments, you can help reduce drafts in your home and keep it warm and comfortable throughout winter. Taking the time to address these issues now will help lower your energy bills and reduce wear and tear on your heating system.

If your heating system feels like it’s struggling or you just want to make sure it’s ready for the cold, Niebuhr Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning is here to help. Contact us at (608) 782-1700 to schedule a quick furnace tune-up and keep your home warm all winter long.