Weatherize now, save all winter

A few simple projects can help keep cold air out, comfortable air in, and your home working more efficiently this winter.

Before North Dakota temperatures settle in for the season, take a little time to check your home for places where heated air may be escaping. Small gaps around windows, doors, and other openings can create drafts and make your heating system work harder to keep your home comfortable.

Start with your windows and exterior doors. Check around the frames for noticeable gaps or cracks. Caulk can help seal small openings around stationary parts of windows and doors, while weatherstripping can help create a tighter seal around areas that open and close.

Do not forget the bottom of exterior doors. If you can see daylight underneath a door or feel cold air coming through, a door sweep may be an easy fix.

Next, look for less obvious places where outside air can enter your home. Gaps around plumbing, wiring, vents, and other openings through exterior walls or floors can also allow drafts. Check around these areas and seal openings with an appropriate material when needed.

Your attic access is another spot worth inspecting. Make sure the hatch or pull-down stairs close tightly and are properly insulated. Because warm air rises, gaps near the top of your home can contribute to heat loss during cold weather.

While you are preparing your home, give your heating system a little attention, too. Check the furnace filter and replace or clean it according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Keep supply and return air vents clear of furniture, rugs, and curtains so heated air can move freely throughout your home.

Finally, take a walk through your home on a cool, windy day. Pay attention to areas that feel noticeably colder or draftier than the rest of the room. Those spots may point you toward additional air leaks.

You do not have to tackle a major renovation to prepare your home for winter. A tube of caulk, new weatherstripping, and a few small fixes can help improve comfort and make the energy you use to heat your home go further.

Looking for more ways to save? Find DIY projects, home energy tips, and efficiency resources at casscountyelectric.com/diy-energy-tips.