4 Easy Ways to Warm Your Home This Winter

Choose Caulk

Leaking windows and doors are a big problem in the winter because they allow cold air into your home and hot air to escape. An easy and inexpensive solution is to add caulk to seal off leaks around stationary portions of doors and windows. Not only will it help keep you warm this winter, it will also lower your energy bill. Check out this article from the Department of Energy to get tips for selecting and applying caulk.

Weather seal caulk being applied to window frame

Stop Drafts

Another simple solution to warm up your home is to fill any gaps at the base of your windows or doors with a draft blocker. These are a bit more of an eyesore than caulk, but work the same way by stopping air from exiting and entering. You can find one for less than $10 at most home stores or you can even make your own using a sock and some popcorn kernels. Check out this blog post from one good thing to get step-by-step instructions on this festive option.

DIY door draft blocker by blogger Jill Nystul of one good thing

Install Weatherstripping

Similar to caulk, weatherstripping seals gaps around doors and window so that they are draft-free. Replacing weatherstripping is pretty simple. On newer doors or windows you just need to slide out the old weatherstripping and slide the new weatherstripping into the grooves that surround the frame. If you have an older door or window, you can purchase a weatherstripping kit at a hardware store. Check out this article from How Stuff Works to get step-by-step installation tips. Need help choosing the right type of weatherstripping for your doors and windows? This essential guide to weatherstripping from This Old House can help.

Weatherstripping your doors and windows can lower your energy bills.
Source: The Sewing Directory

Hang Drapes

Drapes, particularly thermal lined drapes, are functional design elements that add character to your home while also keeping it insulated. To get the best results, you’ll want to hang the drapes as close to the windows as possible and make sure that they go all the way to the sill or floor. Check out this guide from SF Gate to figure out the most energy-efficient curtains or make your own with this step-by-step guide by master seamstress Lauren Guthrie.

Do you have any more simple tips for keeping your home warm this winter? Let us know by tagging us in a post on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Pinterest. We look forward to hearing from you.