Should you feel a chill in your home this time of year, don’t point the finger at spirits. Kathleen Corlett, the editor-in-chief of DIY site BobVila.com, advises to inspect your doors and windows for any gaps. The true specters lurking in your house could be drafts stemming from inadequate insulation, and if left unaddressed, they can skyrocket your energy expenses.
However, before you get overly anxious, Corlett has offered some straightforward, cost-effective solutions to retain warmth and slash your utility bills. These fixes are far from magical—they merely entail a few budget-friendly adjustments, starting at just $4. A touch of caulk here, a bit of weather stripping there, and voilà: Your home will be snug, energy-efficient, and draft-proof throughout the season.
– Dap Dynaflex Elastomeric Sealant, $6 (originally $8)
– White Lightning Painter’s Preferred All-Purpose Acrylic Latex Caulk, $4
– M-D Building Products Premium Rubber Platinum Door Seals, $18 (originally $19)
– M-D Building Products All-Season Door Sweep, $11 (originally $15)
– Best Home Fashion Thermal Insulated Blackout Curtains, $35
– Reach Barrier Garage Door Insulation Kit, $59
Begin your winterization to-do list with one of the most impactful cold-weather remedies: caulking. For exterior cracks, Corlett and her team endorse Dap Dynaflex 230, a highly tested option priced at approximately $6 per tube. “We found it to be one of the simplest exterior caulks to apply, and it offers durable, crack-resistant protection,” she notes. This waterproof sealant ensures a weather-resistant seal on windows, doors, siding, and trim, with a long nozzle ideal for tight corners and hard-to-reach spots.
“But don’t overlook the interior. It’s crucial to seal gaps around window frames as well,” Corlett explains. She suggests using a paintable latex caulk for a finish that effortlessly blends with your trim, with White Lightning Painter’s Preferred Acrylic Latex Caulk being her go-to choice. If you prefer a non-paintable option, she advises selecting one that resists yellowing over time to maintain a fresh look for your windows.
Furthermore, ensure your doors are sealed properly, Corlett advises. “Adding weather stripping around the door frame is a cost-effective improvement that enhances comfort and cuts down on heating expenses.” This 7-foot rubber weather stripping maintains flexibility even in severe cold, making it perfect for sealing door jambs to keep out drafts and pests during the winter.
“To prevent air leaks at the bottom of high-traffic doors, such as your front door, install a door sweep,” Corlett advises. She recommends this robust door sweep from M-D Building Products, which securely screws onto the bottom of doors to block out the elements. This door draft stopper features a rubber gasket that seals gaps up to 3/8-inch between the door and threshold, and comes in 36-inch and 48-inch lengths to fit most standard doors.
Heat-trapping curtains are another clever method to insulate older, poorly insulated windows. “Replace them with a set like these Best Home thermal curtains, priced at around $35 per pair, to reduce heat loss through cold windows and improve sleep quality by blocking out morning light,” Corlett suggests. These curtains come in a variety of lengths and colors to match different styles. For optimal results, Corlett recommends closing them completely at night to retain heat and reduce strain on your heating system.
