Insulate drafts

Cooler temperatures reveal places where cold air is sneaking in your home. Blocking off these areas can save you money and add to your comfort once winter comes in full force.

An easy way to find obvious issues is to walk around entrance points in your home with a lit candle. Place it around the frame of doors and windows and watch for the flame to flicker. Sometimes, a professional inspection is required to find the hard-to-find draft points. Some common ones can be attic holes, access hatches and fireplace dampers.
Fix Your DoorsIf you notice drafts coming in through an exterior door, there are several ways to correct the issue. Depending on the size of gap allowing cool air inside, here are some methods you can use to alleviate them.
Install new sweeps: A door sweep seals gaps between the bottom of a door and its threshold. If your old one has been battered or appears dented, it may be time to install a new one to provide ultimate sealing.

Use foam tape: If your door is warped or doesn’t fits its frame snug, the answer can be to insulate it with foam tape. It’s easy to use. Simply cut to size and secure it to drafty areas, per the manufacturer’s instructions.

Use a door snake: These weighted socks are available for the floor or to hang around the perimeter of a door. They are effective when trying to block small draft points.
Window MaintenanceThe United States Department of Energy reports that air leaks through gaps around windows are responsible for 10 percent of a home’s leakage. If the issue isn’t too far gone, it can be easily resolved.

An affordable option is to apply window film. This wrap is meant to be put in place and heated with a hair dryer. It works to quickly shrink and seal the drafts let in by windows. Caulk is inexpensive yet highly effective. If you notice your windows can use a touch up, visit your local hardware store and choose a type that is meant for the exterior of your home.

If you’ve tried to resolve window drafts alone but are getting nowhere, it may be in your best interest to replace them completely. A professional can point you in the direction of Energy Star windows which will help lower your monthly utility bill.