There’s nothing worse than settling down on the couch with your family for a cozy evening watching your favorite shows and chatting about life, than to be interrupted by an icy chill down your spine or a cool breeze on your cheek, right? We want our homes to be cozy and warm, especially at this time of year, but for many of us, it’s an impossible dream because our houses are just so drafty! It’s time to change that and say goodbye to drafts once and for all.
Track Down the Trouble Spots
It’s an obvious point but before you can deal with drafts, you need to find out where they are coming from. So, first of all, you are going to want to walk around your house, using your hand to feel for any signs that air is getting in from outside. You could also walk around with a candle, holding it up to windows and doors to see if the flame flickers. If it does, it is likely that you have found a source of draft.
Common culprits include old weatherstripping, cracked caulking, loose floorboards, and gaps around pipes or vents, so be sure to focus on them. Oh, and don’t forget to check the attic and basement too. They’re often the most drafty!
Seal It Up
Once you’ve pinpointed where air is escaping, it’s time to seal things tight. Weatherstripping and caulk are your best friends here. Replace worn-out weatherstripping around doors and windows with fresh material – foam, rubber, or felt strips are inexpensive and easy to install.
For small cracks or gaps, a tube of silicone or acrylic caulk works wonders. Just make sure the surface is clean and dry before applying, and smooth it down with a damp finger or a caulking tool for a neat finish. For larger holes, such as gaps around plumbing or vents, expanding spray foam can fill in those tricky spaces. Just go easy. A little goes a long way.
Upgrade Your Windows and Doors
If you live in an older home, it might be the case that your doors and windows are not in as good shape as they used to be and they could be letting lots of cold air into your home when you don’t want it to. Replacing a window (or all of them if necessary) and doors, therefore, is probably going to be your smartest investment, and it is an investment because should you decide to sell up, having newer windows and doors will almost certainly add value, as well as adding to your comfort levels in the meantime.
Don’t Forget Doors and Floors
Your front and back doors are prime spots for heat loss, especially if they don’t fit snugly against the frame. Add a door sweep or draft stopper along the bottom edge – it’s a simple and cheap fix that can make a big difference.
For older wooden floors, check the edges where they meet walls or baseboards. Gaps can form over time, letting cold air seep through from crawl spaces or basements. A little caulk or sealant can help here, too.
Loloi Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines Banks Collection
And if you have bare floors, consider adding a rug. It’s not just a décor choice – it acts as extra insulation.
Here’s to a warm and cozy home!
No Comments