How to Winterize Your Home

Cold weather and snow have most definitely arrived in Northeast England. The Hubs and I have been taking steps to weatherize our home now that winter is here. Our flat is in an old house that is not very well insulated from the cold, and we've been trying to find a balance between saving energy and not freezing our bums off. Here are some tips on winterizing your home that might help you do the same.

Windows

Check the frames around windows for air leaks. Hold a lighted candle or stick of incense near the frame. If the candle flame flickers, or the incense smoke travels in a clear direction toward the window frame, it is most likely from a draught. Seal those suckers up and stop those chilly drafts from coming in and your warm air from getting out.

• Weatherstripping, or draught-proofing strips, can be purchased at hardware and DIY stores. You have most likely seen it as thin foam strips. Adhere it between the window sash and frame, making sure that you can still open and close the window easily. Be sure to measure the perimeter of your windows, as well as the space between the sash and frame, to ensure you get the right type of stripping for your needs.
• Shrink Film is another common solution found in hardware and DIY stores. Apply double-sided tape around the perimeter of your windows, adhere the plastic film, then shrink it with a hair dryer to create an airtight seal. I've used this in the past and it definitely works, but the tape can be hard to remove completely once the weather warms up.
• Caulk can be used to fill gaps window frames. Apply the caulk with a caulk gun and smooth it out with a moistened finger.
• Heavy curtains are another option if none of the above are possible for you. Hit up thrift stores and charity stores for thick curtains or blankets. Leave them open on sunny days to let the sun help heat your home, but close them at night so the heavy fabric helps block draughts.

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Doors

Check door frames for air leaks. Use the candle or incense method listed above, or check for light around the door. If you can see light coming from outside or another room, the door is most likely not sealed well. If the light can get in, so can the cold air, which means your warm air can also get out.

• Weatherstripping / Draught-proof Stripping (see above)
• Caulk (see above)
• Make a draft dodger, or draught excluder, and place it on the floor in front of the door. Here is draft dodger tutorial that even novice sewers can follow, and you probably already have all the materials in your home.
• Keep doors to unheated rooms closed. Those doors will need draught-proofing as well, even though they are inside.

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Electrical Outlets

Yes, even these little things can have drafts. Use the candle or incense method to find out if your electrical outlets have air leaks.

• Foam outlet insulation can be purchased from at hardware or DIY stores. Insert it between the outlet cover and the wall to stop draughts.

Recessed Lighting

I never would have guessed these little lights might be leaking air, but sure enough, they often do. Use the candle or incense method to find out if your recessed light fixtures have drafts.

• Caulk (see above)

Bedding

Keeping your bed warm and toasty lets you turn the heat down even more at night. We turn ours off completely and never get cold.

• Use an electric blanket to heat up the bed before getting in. Turn it off before you go to sleep. The bed will be nice and warm when you get in, and your body heat will keep it warm after you turn the electric blanket off.
• Use flannel sheets and layers of blankets to keep you warm. The layers trap the cold air before it gets to your skin. The more layers you have, the warmer you'll be.
• My English friends have introduced me to the joys of the hot water bottle. Use a hot water bottle instead of an electric blanket to heat up your bed before getting in it. You can cuddle it and soak up the warmth all night. A hot water bottle cover will help insulate the bottle and keep it, and you, warmer for longer.

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What have you done to winterize your home? Share your tips so we can all save energy and money whilst keeping warm.