Keep cool air out this year with these changes around the house.
No matter what season it is, a drafty house can be uncomfortable—and expensive. Air leaks can keep your heating and cooling system from doing its best work. That waste of energy could boost your energy bills by as much as 10%.
You can do away with drafts without a major renovation, though. It’s just a matter of finding the source of air leaks and blocking them. Common culprits include door and window frames, ducts, dryer vents, crawl spaces, attic hatches and foundations.
Once you’ve found the source of the problem, you can implement a solution.
Leaks or holes in the attic, basement or crawlspace: Try caulk, weather stripping or spray foam. For bigger leaks, insulation may make the most significant difference, but it’s also more expensive.
Dryer vents: Buy a clothes-dryer vent seal, which keeps outside air out by opening only when the dryer is in use.
Ducts: If you have a forced-air heating and cooling system, use duct sealant to block leaks in exposed ducts. Also, try insulating ducts in areas that get hot in summer or cold in winter, such as attics or garages.
Windows: There are many types of windows, and just as many solutions. Caulking where the glass meets the frame is one problem-solver. Using strips of self-adhesive rubber weather sealing on the inside of the window can be easier and less messy than traditional caulk. For the winter, you can buy a window insulation kit to create a “shrink-wrap” seal. For year-round energy saving, you may also use insulated curtains or cellular shades. They cost more than standard window coverings, but they prevent cold air from entering your home.
Doors: Caulking and weather stripping to ensure a tight fit can make a big difference. In the winter, try using draft snakes under doors. You can buy a draft snake or make your own by sewing a tube of fabric and filling it with dried rice.
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