As Jack Frost begins to nip at your doors and windows, winterizing becomes a top priority. By winterizing your windows and doors, you can create more comfortable surroundings for the cold season as well as save money on your utility bills.
So, what’s the secret to the best winterizing methods? Use the following tips for top results from your winterizing efforts this year.
Try weather stripping
This is an affordable way to seal up the windows and doors of your home. You can use compression, foam or V-type weather stripping for effective winterizing. Foam strips are the easiest to install; however, they only last one to three winters.
Use door sweeps
You might be surprised how much cold air can enter along the bottom of your exterior doors, and how much warm air can escape. Fit each door with a door sweep as part of your winterizing process. A variety of styles are available that can be cut to fit the size of your door.
Apply foam tape
Are your windows and doors slightly warped? Sticky foam tape is a great solution for winterizing any windows that aren’t perfectly square. Simply cut the tape to size and apply it to any windows and doors that have a draft.
Attach window films
This material looks similar to kitchen plastic wrap. You can place it over your windows to help insulate them. Place the plastic on the windows, then use a hair dryer to seal the plastic in place. You might be surprised at what a difference this simple step can make. Your HVAC system will not have to work as hard to keep your interior warm.
Hang insulated curtains
To add another layer against the cold, you can hang insulated curtains over your windows. They will help retain the heat inside your home, and they can also add fresh décor to your interior for the season.
Lock them up
Locking your windows can make a difference when winterizing. If your home features double-hung windows, always engage the locks for winter. This will help close the gap between the panes and improve your winterizing.
Re-caulk doors and windows
Check for spots along your windows and doors that are causing a draft. Re-caulk these areas. If you won’t be opening a window until spring, seal it up for the winter with caulk that you can peel away when warm weather arrives.
Get a door snake
No, it’s not a pet python or cobra. Some people also refer to these as draft dodgers. It’s a weighted fabric tube that can be placed at the bottom of a door to prevent drafts below the door. You can also use a rolled-up towel for this simple winterizing trick.
Get more tips
At Rapids Plumbing & Heating, we specialize in winterizing. Since 1982, we’ve been the area’s go-to source for creating comfortable interiors. We provide a full range of plumbing and heating services. Contact us today for more winterizing tips or to get a free estimate for your next service.