Cold drafts are so much more than a nuisance. They can make it harder to stay and feel warm, and, of course, they can also skyrocket your energy bills both during a cold snap and a heat wave.
A draft, in essence, is a weakpoint in your home’s insulation. It can come from a lack of insulation itself, or damaged seals. Regardless, this guide will help you find, and fix, those drafts:
How Much is a Cold Draft Costing You?
Drafts are costly. They cool down your home, leave cold (and sometimes even damp) spots in your home, and mean your heating system has to work harder just to maintain the same level of comfort.
Add in a deep freeze, and you have a recipe for disaster. That’s why experts have estimated that a polar vortex is costing households just like yours almost $300 extra in their heating bills.
Investing in vinyl replacement windows and sealing up other drafty areas can then help you save year-on-year, and also improve the quality, comfort, and longevity of your home. All you need is to make a few select investments this year:
· Windows and Doors
If your windows or doors let in a draft, are foggy between the window panes, have mold or cracks around the frame, or are difficult to open, it’s time to replace them. Windows have an average shelf life between 15 and 20 years, so if they haven’t been upgraded or repaired in decades, you know they need some TLC.
· Attic
Attics are among the biggest culprits of cold drafts entering your home. That’s why, if you haven’t already insulated your attic, now is the time. Fully insulating the space, and even finishing it will help you reduce your energy costs and will also give you a great new storage area.
· Laundry, Kitchens, and Bathrooms
Laundry rooms, bathrooms, and kitchens both tend to have a vent to the outside for exhaust purposes. As a result, they can accidentally let in more cold air than you expect. To avoid this, ensure that all exhaust vents are fully insulated and that the outside flaps are in good condition.
· Living Spaces Next to Your Garage
Any living space that shares a wall with an unfinished garage is going to be colder and harder to heat than the others. To avoid this issue, insulate the shared wall and also the ceiling (if there’s a room above) to reduce heating costs.
Top Repair Types
There are several ways that you can repair those drafts in your home.
- Replace the old or damaged window/door with a new one.
- Replace cracked or moldy calk and other sealant.
- Insulate your attic and garage to boost the internal home temperature.
Other investments include upgrading your HVAC system if it’s old to a new, more energy-efficient alternative. You can also use smart home systems to heat more intelligently, to save yourself money through improved efficiency.