As we approach the end of summer and temperatures begin to cool, you might notice a draft coming from your front door. Drafts can rack up your heat bill and ruin the comfort of your home, so we’ve come up with some quick tips to keep your home cozy this year.
Lock Your Windows
It might not sound like much, but locking your windows can help secure them and tighten the seal. In general, if your windows are newly installed or were installed within the last few years, the seal should be tight, and you shouldn’t have too many problems.
However, if you live in an older house with older windows, you may experience a draft. This can happen because the house settles into the foundation and the wood expands and contracts with the weather over time. Because of this, the window frame may detach from the pane little by little, and air can seep in.
When you lock the window, the pane is more tightly secured in the frame, eliminating strong drafts and cold air from coming in and the heat from going out.
Window Treatments: The More the Merrier
Blinds and curtains can help block cold air that may come in through cracks in the windows. If you have window treatments already, consider layering them to maximize insulation. If you live in an area with harsh winters and frigid temperatures, keep curtains and blinds closed, especially at night, and open them briefly during sunny days to let the room warm up with natural heat.
Physical Barriers
Doors can become drafty because of settling and temperature in the same way that windows can. If your doors have large gaps, consider using physical barriers like quilts, rolled-up towels or blankets, or even a pool noodle to add insulation.
Weatherstripping
You can get weatherstripping done professionally, or you can purchase materials online and do it yourself. In most cases, you won’t need any tools to install DIY weatherstripping, and the kit should have installation instructions.
Always measure your doors and windows before purchasing weatherstripping. Make sure that you follow the directions carefully to ensure that no cold air can get in during cool autumn evenings and frigid winter nights.
When In Doubt
If doors and windows aren’t the problem, you may need maintenance or heating repair. Thankfully, Meyer’s has all the tools you need to keep your home warm and cozy. From furnaces to heat pumps, our expert technicians can find and fix the problem.
Choose Meyer’s for all your heating needs!