Banish Drafts With These Easy Tips

Are your windows old and drafty? Do your exterior doors have leaky gaps? With winter knocking at the door, now’s the time to take some simple steps to keep out those biting winds and to lower your heating bills. Your local hardware store is a great place to look for what you’ll need to stay warm and toasty.

Let’s start with your doors. If you don’t have a storm door, get one installed. For a couple of hundred dollars, you’ll have a second barrier to keep wind, rain and snow away. Buy a roll of weather-stripping tape and stick it around the doorframe. Make sure you wipe the frame down with rubbing alcohol first so that the tape adheres properly.

Over time, windows become less efficient at keeping out drafts. The frames can shrink and the house can settle and create gaps, so if your budget doesn’t extend to some new hyper-efficient windows, there are several things you can do. Caulk the largest gaps. Ask your hardware store for help picking out the right caulk, as there are many different types and they all do a different job! If your windows are really old, Frost King makes a great window and patio door insulation kit that will make an immediate difference. Installation is quick and simple and you'll be amazed at the difference in the ambient temperature in your home.Finally, remember to close the blinds or draw your curtains. They'll keep the warm air in -- and the cold air out.

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