Wintertime is in full motion, and the cold weather has already started rolling. Many people are beginning to crank their thermostats up to keep warm. In the moment, they are not giving it a second thought until that heating bill comes. Even after looking at the bill, people are still shocked at how cold it can still feel in their home. For those in this situation, the following are a few great options for weatherizing the house this winter.
Door Sweeps
Take a closer look at the doors of your home; there are generally gaps of approximately 1/8 inch around the front and back. It may be hard to believe, but even these small crevices can allow a significant amount of cold air into the home. Luckily there is a quick and relatively inexpensive solution to this. Door sweeps are a very affordable option that can quickly help resolve this problem. Installing them takes only a matter of minutes and promptly prevents that annoying draft from coming in. One of the quick tests that can be done to see if a door sweep is needed is to lay a sheet of paper on the door frame. Next, close the door and try to remove the paper. If it can be removed easily without being torn, then a door sweep can be beneficial.
The Attic
Most people may not expect it, but attic doors cause a tremendous amount of energy loss throughout the year. Even with such a loss, it may never even cross a homeowner’s mind to try to insulate the area. Even with the tiniest of gaps left around the attic door, it is like leaving a five-inch gap open the entire year. Homeowners must consider insulating the attic from the rest of the house to cut the loss. One of the simplest ways to do this is by using an attic tent. An attic tent is a cover that fits over the attic door. It works for a wide variety of door types. It is both durable and affordable and can save you up to 40% on heating costs.
Windows
Just as door sweeps can help with drafty doors, weatherstripping can help weatherize your windows. Weatherstripping prevents drafts, moisture, and dust from coming through the gaps around your windows. And as an added bonus, it can also help to keep out household pests like bugs.