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Keep Your Home Insulated With These DIY Tips
Nobody wants a cold house in the winter. Without proper insulation, your home will struggle to maintain its internal temperature. The first sign of a problem is usually high utility bills. But if you notice drafty doors or windows, or your home doesn't feel warm unless you really crank up the heat, these are often indications you have an insulation problem.
Our real estate agents always stress the importance of home insulation during the wintertime. A properly insulated home is more comfortable and produces lower energy costs. The good news is improving your home insulation is easier than you think. Here are some DIY tips to help you get started.
- Install Heavy Curtains
Hanging heavy curtains above your drafty windows is one of the easiest ways to improve energy efficiency. Good curtains will trap warm temperatures inside and block those cold-air drafts. Choose a nice set of curtains that match your decor or check out some of the beautiful window treatments on these Suffolk County homes for sale for inspiration. - Seal The Doors And Windows
When it comes to internal heat loss, doors and windows are usually the biggest culprits. Make sure they're well-sealed, and if they're not, apply high-quality weather stripping to block off the gaps. - Close the Chimney Flue
The chimney flue is an often overlooked opening that can easily let cold air inside. Check to make sure it's closed. You can also have a professional install a top-sealing damper to serve as an extra layer of insulation. - Replace Your Attic Insulation
The materials used for attic insulation can wear down over time. If you have an older home and your insulation is looking thin, adding new attic insulation can make a major difference. Heat rises, and a well-insulated attic prevents warm air from escaping through the roof. Fiberglass batts and rolls can be purchased at a local home improvement store and easily installed yourself. - Invest In A Good Humidifier
Running a humidifier during the winter can actually help boost the temperature inside your home. Humidifiers add moisture, which can carry heat throughout your home and are proven to increase your heat index. Just be sure not to overdo it. Running humidifiers too often can encourage mold growth. - Add An Area Rug
Another simple and affordable way to prevent heat loss is by adding a thick area rug to your living room or bedroom. Rugs serve as a great layer of insulation. Wool rugs are among the most effective at trapping warm air inside the room. - Get A Door Snake
Perhaps the easiest and most affordable insulation trick — a door snake, also known as a "draft stopper" is a stuffed fabric tube that can be placed at the base of the door as a way to prevent cold air from making its way into a room. Best of all, door snakes are easy to make yourself. - Seal-Up Recessed Lighting
Lighting openings can allow significant heat loss, so if yours aren't well-sealed, adding a layer of insulation can make a big difference. However, improperly installing insulation around lighting fixtures can result in a major fire hazard, so unless you have experience, this work is often best left to professionals.
Good insulation is key to keeping your utility bills low and your home comfortable all winter long. Contact us today for more home improvement tips.