6 Easy Ways to Make Your Home Less Drafty and Use Less Energy

Do your windows feel drafty, or does the temperature feel off in different parts of your home? 

Your home is designed to keep out the elements—cold, wind, rain, and snow—but over time, it can start letting in unwanted air and moisture. 

When you’re heating or cooling your home, you want to keep the conditioned air inside rather than letting it leak out. That way, you’re only paying for the energy you need. This is where weatherization, or properly sealing and insulating your home, comes into play. 

Weatherization has other benefits, too. Sealing up your space reduces unwanted moisture or even mold. It also helps keep critters like mice from entering your home. And it can make your home more comfortable by reducing drafts in the winter. 

Here are six things you can do to tighten up your home.

1. Seal Air Gaps in the Basement and Attic

The basement and attic are great places to start. Look for places where you can feel outside air coming in, like along the basement sill or where your HVAC lines come inside. You can also look for cobwebs: Spiders like to build in places with good air flow. Use caulk or a can of spray foam to seal those areas. Some spray foams are specially designed to repel mice. 

2. Seal Gaps Around Windows and Doors

Outside air often enters your home through gaps around windows and doors, causing drafts. You might also see condensation buildup on your windows or daylight coming inside around the edges. Those are all signs that you could benefit from caulking or weatherstripping around the edges of your windows and doors. 

3. Check Window and Door Latches

Drafty windows and doors can also be caused by latches that become displaced over time. If they aren’t closing properly anymore, try unscrewing the latch and moving it side to side until it fits properly again; then screw it back on for a snug fit.  

4. Consider a Door Sweep

If you feel cold air coming in under your doors, install door sweeps. You can also make your own “draft snake” using a long sock filled with beans or rice. 

5. Cover Your Outlets on Exterior Walls

Exterior outlets are a sneaky way for outside air to get into your home. Make sure your outlets on exterior walls are covered (you can buy plastic covers at the hardware store) and consider adding a small piece of foam to insulate the covering.

6. Consider Window Film

Window film is an inexpensive way to stop drafts and make your home warmer in the winter. Your local hardware store should have kits that include plastic sheets and a roll of special tape. Place the tape around the window trim, apply the plastic, and then use a hair dryer to seal it tightly. 

Next Steps

Weatherization is a valuable step before upgrading your heating or cooling system. A well-insulated, air-sealed home uses less energy, saving you money over time.

Your home might have additional issues that are best addressed by a professional. For example, if you get ice dams on your roof in the winter, it could be a sign that your attic needs additional insulation. Talk to your contractor about which type of insulation is right for your home—it can vary depending on your home's age and the type of electrical wiring.

You can find more information on how and when to weatherize by visiting the ENERGY STAR website.

Need Help?

Efficiency Smart can help answer your questions about weatherization. Call us at 877-889-3777 or email us at [email protected].