Are you spending a lot on your heating and cooling requirements during summer and winter, respectively? Then maybe you need to consider weatherproofing your home.
Insulating your attic can reduce your heating expenses during winter by 30%. But insulation is not the only way to weatherproof your home. There are many different areas you need to cover.
Replacing old windows with energy-efficient ones can also save you an average of $250 annually. But what are the other areas of the house that require weatherproofing?
Check out our guide below as we give you some valuable tips for preparing your home for summer and winter.
The Need to Weatherproof
Though you can read tons of online resources about weatherproofing, not all homeowners practice it.
Some even shy away from weatherproofing because of the initial costs that come with it. However, the benefits of weatherproofing outweigh the expenses.
Let’s discuss some of the best reasons why you need to weatherproof your house.
Reduces Energy Expenses
During winter, homeowners in the United States spend an average of $595 for natural gas. Some opt for oil heat, which costs them $1,646 on average. But replacing old windows and installing insulation reduces energy consumption and can lower these bills.
Apart from the savings, weatherproofing your home also increases its resale value. Homebuyers are willing to spend an extra $1,446 for a home with an insulated attic, for example.
Keeps Insects Outside
When you weatherproof your home, you seal spaces to maintain proper indoor temperature. In the process, you will keep all sorts of insects from coming inside your house.
Protects Against Water Damage
By sealing gaps and foundational cracks, you are keeping water away from your house. This is crucial, especially during rainstorms, as it protects your home from potential water damage.
Water damage compromises not only your home’s foundation but also health problems. When moisture enters your walls, it may lead to mold and mildew formation. These can cause different kinds of respiratory problems.
Promotes Overall Comfort
Last but not least, it promotes long-term indoor comfort. As you regulate indoor temperature, you will not feel too warm during the summer. The same thing goes during winter as you will not feel too cold.
Valuable Tips on Weatherproofing
Now that you know the benefits of weatherproofing, you can now take action. But where do you start? Here are some of the most helpful tips for preparing your home for summer and winter.
Increase the Warmth
Since you want to increase the heat during winter, one of the best ways to start is with your fireplace.
Try to light up your fireplace every time you’re at home. If you don’t have a fireplace, consider installing one.
Though a wood-burning fireplace looks aesthetically pleasing, it does come with a few drawbacks. First, you need to gather some wood.
After using, you need to do some vacuuming to clean out the ashes. And if you need to go out in a hurry, you cannot do so. You must first wait until the fire burns out.
Thankfully, you can invest in an electric fireplace as an alternative. You can turn it on or off anytime you want.
Block Holes and Spaces
On top of increasing the heat, you should also keep it inside during winter. The idea is to block all spaces where heat can escape. Examine your house’s exterior and look for gaps around your door frames.
Take some caulk and seal the holes. Move indoors and check your windows. Do the same thing until you cover the crevices in all areas.
And speaking of windows, replace them immediately if you see any significant damages. Invest in storm windows, which are more efficient compared to traditional windows. Some older windows come with aluminum frames.
The problem with these frames is that they allow hot and cold air to pass easily. Instead, go for fiberglass or vinyl frames since they are poor heat conductors.
Replace your old and dilapidated roof and shingles. Invest in weather resistant roofing. And make sure you get professional help with inspecting your roof.
Also, check your doors for any cracks or leaks. If there are any, use some door sweeps or weatherstripping to cover them.
Insulation is a Must
Insulation is also about keeping heat inside your house. The key to effective insulation is installing them in the right areas.
Start by insulating your attic. The attic is an area where heat easily escapes. As we mentioned earlier, adding installation will likely involve a huge upfront cost.
However, the investment is all worth it.
If you have a small budget, you can start insulating only the walls or floors of your attic.
If you have a basement, you also need to insulate it. Insulation keeps moisture away. Once moisture enters your basement, it can easily lead to mold formation.
As we mentioned earlier, molds and mildew can cause respiratory illnesses. Sometimes, they may lead to serious ailments like cancer.
Additionally, replace your old window glass with energy-efficient ones. Go for insulated glass units (IGUs). They feature low-emissivity, providing additional protection against the sun’s rays.
Seal Your Outlets and Switches
As small as they may seem, your outlets and switches can also affect indoor temperature. Place your hand in front of an outlet. Wave your hand and see if you feel air coming through.
If you feel anything, seal the outlet with some foam padding or gasket. You want to squeeze the foam around the switches and electrical outlets.
Use Layering
Last but not least, consider adding layers to your home. Start with your floor. Place a plush rug in your living room.
If you have hardwood flooring, place another protective layer on top. A rug pad is a good option.
Invest in some throw rugs and place them in your bathroom, as well as in front of your washer and kitchen sink. Additionally, cover your chairs and sofa with cozy blankets during winter.
Increase Your Home’s Curb and Resale Value
Weatherproofing is one of the best decisions any homeowner can make. Not only does it keep the integrity of the house, but it also promotes the safety and comfort of everyone. Weatherproofing is only one of the ways to increase your home’s overall appeal and resale value.
For more tips and tricks, check out some of our other articles.