As the colder months approach, now is the perfect time to start thinking about how to keep your home warm while saving money on heating costs. In honor of National Weatherization Day, we’re highlighting how weatherizing your home not only helps you stay warm but also helps lower your energy bills. Here are three quick tips to improve your home’s insulation for a more comfortable and efficient living space this winter.

Tip 1: Insulating Window Inserts

According to the Department of Energy (DOE), around 30% of the heat in a home is lost through its windows. WindowDressers insulating inserts offer a simple and effective way to help reduce this heat loss! In fact, each insert can save around 8.5 gallons of heating fuel annually.

              Thermal image of a home with and without window inserts

                        (without inserts)                                           (with inserts)

How Our Inserts Work:

Radiant Heat Loss: This is the primary cause of heat loss through windows. Heat from inside is absorbed by the glass and then absorbed by the outside cold air, pulling heat out of your home. Inserts provide extra insulation, blocking this heat transfer.

Air Leakage: Many windows leak air at the seams where glass meets frame or between the window and the wall. Tightly fitting inserts block air movement in these areas, keeping the warm air inside.

Conduction: Heat naturally moves from the warmer side to the cooler side of a window and through the air space between glass layers. Inserts create two sealed air spaces—one between the insert and the window, and another between the two layers of plastic—effectively doubling the window’s insulation.

(without an insert)                                                 (with insert installed)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Each insert is a custom-made pine frame wrapped on each side with tightly-sealed, clear polyolefin film, creating an airspace between the two layers for additional insulation. The insert is finished with a compressible foam gasket. The foam allows enough give for the inserts to slide easily into place in the fall and removed in the spring, while holding firmly enough to provide a snug, friction-based seal. The inserts are installed inside of your existing window frame with no fasteners required.

Tip 2: Sealing Gaps and Cracks

A common source of energy loss in a home is through small gaps and cracks around your doors and windows. These air leaks let warm air escape and allow colder air to enter your home. Identifying and sealing these leaks is a simple and affordable way to enhance your home’s comfort while reducing heating expenses.

Common spots to check for air leaks:

1. Exterior door frames
2. Window frames
3. Outlets and light switches
4. Attic entrances
5. Ducts
6. Plumbing, fuel, or electrical penetrations throughout the home
7. Sill plates
8. Outdoor water faucets
9. Recessed lights
10. Cracks and seams in the ceiling

Click here to learn more and see Efficiency Vermont’s video on how to tighten up your home.

Tip 3: Add or Upgrade Attic & Basement Insulation

Proper insulation is one of the most effective ways to prevent heat from escaping your home during winter. Attics and basements are key areas to keep an eye out for air leaks. To improve your home’s energy efficiency, consider adding or upgrading your attic and basement insulation. It’s a good idea to check your current insulation levels—if the material looks thin or worn, adding more can make a noticeable difference.

Efficiency Vermont recommends the following DIY projects to help tighten up your home:

1. Air seal and insulate the box sill and rim joists in your basement (follow the link for a video and printable instructions)
2. Air seal leaks in your foundation wall (common problem area of stone foundations)
3. Build or buy an air tight, well insulated bulkhead door to your basement
4. Build or buy an air tight, well insulated attic hatch for your attic
5. Air seal and insulate visible cracks, joints, and seams in your attic (follow the link for a video and printable instructions)

Click here to learn more about Efficiency Vermont’s recommended DIY weatherization projects.

Ready to take the next step in weatherizing your home this winter? Our custom fit insulating window inserts are a cost-effective way to reduce heat loss, increase comfort, and lower your heating bills. Whether you’re interested in improving your own home’s energy efficiency or volunteering to make a difference for your neighbors, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved!