IT’S not too late to save money on your heating bill this winter and keep your house warm, home experts said.
Plus, if you use the inexpensive method to protect your home now, you can save energy and cash when summer rolls around.
The pros at Home Digest explained that there’s a common reason behind both high heating bills and the pesky cold spots throughout your home.
Air leaks along doors and windows can be disrupting your temperature control methods.
Up to 40 percent of heating and cooling loss can come from these tiny leaks, according to Home Advisor– despite how easy they are to fix.
The affordable, fast way to protect your home and decrease your energy bill is by applying weather stripping, Home Digest explained.
“Weather stripping is sealing gaps and openings in doors and windows to prevent air from coming in or escaping,” the experts said.
Chances are you already have these thin strips of insulation around doors and windows, but according to Home Digest, it may be worn out.
Your weather stripping needs to be repaired or replaced “if you are experiencing noticeable drafts and moisture on walls or insulation,” they said.
If you’re not sure, a great way to test is by holding a lit candle near the door or window and standing still.
Airflow around the sealant will make the flame move, so you can spot-check which areas need repair.
You can even save more money by custom-tailoring the materials you use for each room, the experts said.
For example, vinyl stripping will be your best choice for protecting the front door, the living room windows, and any high-traffic, high-use parts of the home.
But the storage closet at the back of the house or the guest bathroom with a single window can get felt or foam stripping.
This is less effective and less durable, but a fine investment for rooms you’re less likely to use.
Cost will vary depending on how much weather stripping you need.
A 17-foot roll of felt stripping retails for $2.47 on Home Depot’s website, while 10 feet of high-density rubber foam is priced at $5.47.
Once you’ve measured your doors and windows, you can adjust your plan based on what works for your budget.
Applying the weather stripping is simple, though there will be some variations depending on which kind you purchase.
For foam stripping, vinyl strips, or tension seals, the application will be nearly identical.
“Measure the area of application and safely cut off the needed length,” the experts wrote.
“You will then peel away the backing and push in the vinyl to create an airtight sealant.”
For longevity, you might even tack down or staple the edges of vinyl stripping to doorframes, the experts recommended.
This will help the stripping last longer, and can keep the material from peeling up and impeding the door’s function.