With cold temperatures, the chill quickly gets into your house, jacking up the heating bill and making life uncomfortable. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, about 30% of the energy expended for heating is lost to poor insulation around windows and doors. This inefficiency raises utility bills and creates a colder, less inviting atmosphere for living.
But have you ever considered the number of people who die every year as a result of cold creeping into their homes? The Global Burden of Disease study showed that 7.7% of all deaths were temperature-related, an astounding 7.3% due to cold, and 0.4% due to heat.
Exposure to frigid conditions may lead to serious health complications, such as hypothermia or heightened cardiovascular strain. With cold indoor environments setting individuals up for potential harm, what can you do to safeguard your home and health this winter?
Weatherstripping
The simplest and most inexpensive of all solutions to reduce drafts is weatherstripping. This is done by sealing the gaps around windows and doors with adhesive foam, rubber, or silicone strips.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, good weatherstripping can cut heating energy loss by up to 30% in a house. Choose materials for your climate. Rubber is best for freezing weather, while foam works best in more moderate climates.
Clean the surface first for the best adhesion. Replace worn-out strips regularly to ensure effectiveness throughout the year.
Window Film
Window film is a transparent plastic layer applied to windows for heat loss insulation. It forms an extra barrier that minimizes thermal transfer. This makes window films very effective in single-pane windows.
The Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory found that window films can reduce heat loss by 35% during winter. Installation kits available at hardware stores make application easy, even for beginners.
Look for films labeled as “low-E” (low-emissivity), which reflect heat into the room. Removing the film is hassle-free, making it an excellent seasonal solution for renters or those on a budget.
Thermal Curtains
Thermal or insulated curtains are a stylish and functional way to retain warmth. These multi-layer curtains also include a reflective layer that prevents heat from escaping through the window panes.
Complete Blinds Sydney states that thermal curtains could reduce heat loss to as high as 25 percent by simply being closed at night. During the day, they can be opened to allow sunlight in for natural heating.
Ensure that it fits entirely over the window frame to insulate better. They come in various designs, allowing you to match your decor while improving energy efficiency.
Caulking
Caulking is an essential hack for filling cracks and gaps in window and door frames. Acrylic or silicone caulk works best for exterior applications, as it remains flexible in extreme temperatures.
DOE says caulking leaks saves 10 to 20 percent on annual heating and cooling bills annually for an average household. Pay particular attention to areas where the frame meets the wall, as this is a common leakage spot.
For an accurate sealant application, use a caulk gun and smooth it out with a damp finger. Check your work annually and reapply as needed to maintain effectiveness.
Door Sweeps
Drafts through the bottom of doors can be a significant source of heat loss. A simple solution is a door sweep, a flexible barrier attached to the bottom of a door.
The Northwest Power and Conservation Council recommends brush or rubber sweeps to block drafts effectively for exterior doors. Measure the gap correctly for a tight fit, and secure the sweep with screws or adhesive backing.
This hack is effective for entryways, garage doors, and basement access points. Check periodically for wear and replace the sweep when it becomes damaged or loose.
Insulated Panels
Consider temporary insulated panels for doors or windows you don’t use during winter. These foam or fabric-covered rigid panels fit tightly into frames to provide better insulation.
GSA says insulated panels can reduce heat loss by more than 50% through unused openings. This is especially good for old, leaky windows, which might be expensive to replace.
DIYers can make their panels out of foam boards and fabric pretty inexpensively. Take down the panels during warmer months and use them again for several winters.
Draft Snakes
Draft snakes are fabric tubes in the shape of cylinders that homeowners place at the bottom of doors and windows to bar cold air.
As EcoMatters Environment Trust experts point out, “Draft snakes are perfect for houses where weatherstripping is impractical or would be insufficient.”
Models filled with heavy material, such as sand or rice, have higher coverage. To make a model yourself, sew a cloth tube and fill it with everyday household items, such as dried beans.
Storm Windows and Doors
Storm windows and doors are secondary barriers that provide additional insulation and protection from the weather. These are particularly useful in homes with older single-pane windows.
The Building America Solution Center says that storm windows can increase energy efficiency by up to 50%. The new versions have low-E glass and tight-sealing frames that perform even better.
Although expensive to install, the long-term energy savings and comfort are well worth it. A professional should install these to ensure a proper fit and performance.
Foam Tape
Foam tape is a low-cost and flexible method for sealing small gaps in window and door frames. Its self-adhesive backing can be applied and removed at will.
The tape works well on older windows whose surfaces are uneven, where weatherstripping may not work as expected. Edgetech says it can reduce minor drafts and make people feel more thermally comfortable.
It works best as a supplementary solution when combined with other sealing methods. Replace the tape annually, as it may degrade with exposure to weather changes.
Check and Lubricate Hinges and Locks
Poorly aligned hinges and loose locks can lead to gaps that provide entrance to cold air. According to Ressources Naturelles Canada, “regular maintenance will ensure doors seal well, improving your energy efficiency.”
Tighten all loose screws, grease friction points, and fix any misaligned hinges. With a screwdriver and level, check for skewed gaps and correct them immediately.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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