Weatherizing is the technique used to improve the coziness of your home. It entails keeping cooled or heated air inside a home while preventing outside air from entering. When you weatherize, you tighten the thermal building envelope, making it work as a cocoon, thereby separating the interior and exterior.
As the seasons change and temperatures decrease, there’s nothing like entering inside a warm and inviting house. Creating a comfortable living area is not only crucial for your health but also plays an integral part in energy efficiency.
Weatherizing your house keeps you warm throughout the winter months. It helps preserve energy as it lessens the use of air conditioning and heating, resulting in lower electricity costs and a lower carbon imprint.
In this article, we’ll look at simple but effective ways to weatherize your house and turn it into a refuge of warmth and comfort. Each step within this guide leads to a more energy-efficient and appealing living area.
Get an Energy Audit
It is critical to examine your home’s energy consumption and find areas for improvement before beginning any weatherization project. A professional energy audit may reveal where your home is losing heat and wasting energy.
Insulation levels, air leakage, and the efficiency of heating and cooling systems are all assessed during the audit. You may prioritize weatherization work and make educated decisions regarding repairs and additions by using this knowledge.
When it comes to payment, utilities frequently pay for energy audits and have lists of qualified contractors on file.
A Â standard energy audit includes two measurements: a thermal imaging camera to detect hot and cold areas in the roof, walls, and ceilings and a blower door test to ensure consistent airflow into the living space.
The contractor will make recommendations for changes and assist you in filing paperwork with your utility provider to make you eligible for energy-efficiency programs.
Insulate and Seal Attic Spaces
The attic is frequently one of the significant causes of heat loss in homes. Maintaining a steady indoor temperature requires proper insulation and sealing. Inadequate insulation causes warm air to leave in the winter and permeate in the summer, resulting in higher energy usage.
Upgrade your attic insulation to meet today’s energy efficiency regulations. Fiberglass, cellulose, and foam insulation are all common options, each with advantages. Ensure that the insulation is evenly dispersed and covers all surfaces, including corners and edges.
It is also critical to seal any gaps or fractures in the attic. Caulk or weatherstripping can fill gaps around pipes, vents, and chimneys. It not only eliminates drafts but also aids in the more effective regulation of indoor temperatures.
Get Weather Barrier Coating
Weather barrier coating is another way of weatherizing your home, and it involves getting another layer of protection to your home against the weather.
It provides you with a  thermal barrier as it uses high-performance ceramic-insulating coating solutions to protect your home against harsh environments, reducing overall maintenance costs and increasing durability.
Weather barrier coatings operate as a barrier, keeping moisture from penetrating the walls and causing damage. Furthermore, they improve the insulating properties of your home, resulting in a more energy-efficient living area.
Seal Your HVAC Ducts
Maintaining a comfortable home environment requires a well-functioning heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system. Look for any apparent cracks, holes, or detached pieces in your HVAC ducts.
To effectively seal these places, use mastic sealant or metal-backed tape. Duct tape should be avoided since it deteriorates over time.
Consider insulating your ducts to reduce heat loss in the winter and condensation in the summer. Insulation keeps the air’s temperature stable as it passes through the ductwork, ensuring that the conditioned air reaches its intended destination without wasting energy.
Repair Leaky Doors and Windows
Drafty doors and windows are typical causes of heat loss in houses. Through weatherstripping, you can seal gaps and keep cold air out while allowing warm air to escape.
Look for any noticeable gaps around the edges of doors and windows and consider getting them repaired. Alternatively, you can DIY by using self-adhesive weatherstrips as they are simple to apply and come in various materials.
Choose the type that best meets your requirements and addresses the specific issues you’re addressing.
Install External Storm Windows or Solar Screens
Install exterior storm windows or solar screens to improve the energy efficiency of your windows. Storm windows give an extra layer of protection against the weather, minimizing heat transmission and enhancing insulation.
They are simple to install over existing windows and come in various designs to suit different aesthetic tastes.
Solar screens are another viable alternative, particularly in warmer areas. These screens are intended to obscure some of the sun’s rays while allowing natural light to pass through. You may reduce the effort on your air conditioning system and enjoy a more pleasant inside atmosphere by decreasing solar heat.
Conclusion
Investing time and energy in weatherization saves money on electricity costs and adds to a greener house. By following this method, you can make a warm sanctuary that can withstand the elements.
Remember that each tiny step puts you closer to a place that keeps you warm and corresponds with your dedication to a greener, more sustainable lifestyle.
