It is winter once again, and the heating bills will soon be staring you in the face. Insulating your home for the winter season is a sure way of spending less on heating, plus it can protect you and your home from other issues, too. Luckily, there are ways to insulate your home better to keep the heat inside and the bills lower.
Tips to Insulate Your Home
Insulate Crawl Spaces
Crawl spaces are a cause for great concern for homeowners. This is because it is prone to moisture and can deteriorate easily.
Because crawl spaces are close to the ground, they naturally become damp. This dampness creates a thriving environment for pests, and that makes your home a potential breeding ground for them. The dampness in crawl spaces may cause mold, which can easily spread all over your home.
In cold climates, dampness can lead to the destruction of floor joists and other supporting constructions that keep your home together. You should seriously consider insulating your crawl space and installing a vapor barrier to provide a safe and healthy environment for your home. Improve the natural airflow of your home; you can visit https://www.insulatekansascity.com/crawl-space-insulation/ to find out more.
Use Weatherproofing to Cover Air Leaks
Using weatherproofing strips and caulking to cover and seal air leaks is a great way of insulating your home. Pay special attention to doors and windows. Check for the slightest sense of draft, and use weatherproofing material to seal up air leaks.
Use Thick Curtains
Thick curtains can help insulate your home, especially if you do not have modern windows that help with insulation. Also, consider going for darker colors as they keep warmth longer than lighter colors.
Another option is to use cheap liners and add them to the curtains you already have. Remember to keep the curtains open during the day so that natural sunlight can stream into your home and add some heat. Then, close the curtains at night to maintain the warmth.
Use a Door Snake for Drafty Doors
Door snakes are anything used to seal off the small spaces under doors. They can be made easily with things you probably already have.
Your home has an abundance of materials that can be transformed into a door snake. Old socks, popcorn kernels, and even pillow stuffing can be used to make door snakes.
Or, if you aren’t very good at DIY, you can buy one that is already made. There are many options, and you can get one to fit any door.
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When Not in Use, Plug Your Chimney
Plugging your chimneys when they are not in use is another cost-effective way of insulating your home. According to a study, the heating bills of homes increased by 30% if there was a fireplace damper missing or damaged.
You may be losing a lot of useful heat through your chimney if it is not blocked, and you can easily plug it using a chimney balloon. You can create a simple chimney balloon by covering a large-sized balloon with laminate and inflating it once it is inside the chimney. This should provide an adequate seal and keep the heat in your home.
Of course, you can purchase a chimney balloon, instead. There are different sizes and types, so you’re sure to find one that works for you.
Seal Attic Air Leaks
Hot air rises, so your attic may serve as an escape route for hot air. You should consider sealing air leaks in your attic or redesigning it.
You can use regular reflective foil material as a cheaper alternative to using foam as insulating material. Staple the reflective foil sheets to the rafters in the attic, and the heat will stay in your home and reduce your heating bills.
Follow these simple tips to reduce your heating bills and keep your home safe and warm during the winter season. It can help with other issues, too, as mentioned in the section about the crawl space. What are some cost-effective ways you reduce your heat bill? Leave a comment and let us know!
