Insulation & Weatherization Tips

Caulk and weatherstrip all doors, windows, and any opening that may let air leak into your house. Air infiltration will affect your energy bill more than anything except lack of proper insulation. And don’t worry about your home not being able to "breathe." As many air leaks as you find, there will always be a few that you don’t find or can’t fix.

Make sure to check the threshold and sweep on your exterior doors. If you can see light or can feel air coming in around them, it’s time for new ones.

Check for air leaks around light fixtures and vents. Bathroom vents, dryer vents, and other exhaust vents are notorious for having dampers that don’t completely close.

You should be sure to seal around plumbing entrances under sinks and vanities, and around bathtubs and showers.

Place foam gaskets under the electrical outlet covers that are on outside and inside walls to cut down on air infiltration. You’ll be surprised at the amount of outside air that gets in through the inside walls of your home.

Use storm windows or place plastic over windows to prevent heat loss.

Check the insulation levels in your home. Recommended insulation levels for this part of the U.S. are: R-38 in the ceiling, R-19 in exterior walls and in the floor.

When checking your attic insulation, especially notice if the insulation levels are adequate above the kitchen cabinet soffits and around shower and tub walls.

Be sure your attic is adequately and properly ventilated.

If the attic access door is in a heated area, check to make sure that it is well insulated and weather-stripped.

If you’re not using your fireplace regularly as a heat source, seal it up by stuffing some fiberglass insulation into the flue or by installing a tight fitting glass door and damper. Make a note to remember to remove the insulation before using the fireplace again.