How to Seal Windows and Doors to Reduce Energy Bills and Stay Comfortable

As the temperature drops in the fall and winter, many homeowners wince at the thought of their monthly home energy. But while you may not be able to control the cost of gas, oil, or electricity, you can reduce your energy bills by limiting the amount you consume, without sacrificing your comfort. Sealing windows and doors throughout your home is an excellent first step. 

Why Sealing Windows and Doors Matters for Energy Efficiency

Your doors and windows are not airtight. There are numerous small gaps and cracks that let the heated air inside your home escape. A gap less than the thickness of a credit card may not seem like a big deal, but the heat loss that results from many gaps across all your doors and windows adds up. Applying simple door and window seal materials can significantly limit ambient heat loss, easily cutting energy bills by 10%.

The benefits of door and window treatments aren’t necessarily limited to the winter. Weatherproofing and insulating your windows for the summer can also help you keep cool air inside, reducing your demand on your air conditioner.

The year-round financial benefits of sealing your windows and doors makes the job well worth the effort. For most American homeowners, the savings on energy costs are more pronounced in the winter, so consider adding window and door treatments to your autumn home maintenance checklist, just as the weather begins to cool.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Seal Windows for Winter

Taking steps to insulate the windows for winter is reasonably straightforward. Before you begin, be mindful of the most common places where gaps and cracks can appear:

• Between the sash and the window frame
• Where the window frame meets the wall
• In the space between sashes in double-hung windows
• In the window frame itself

Now that you know where to look, here’s how to seal windows when the colder weather sets in:

1. Identify drafts. Some gaps and cracks will be obvious to the naked eye, but you can use a couple techniques to identify finer openings. On a cold or breezy day, run your hand along the window framing and perimeters of the sashes to feel for cold air against your palm. You can also trace a lighter, lit match, or stick of incense near the window, taking note of any places where a breeze disturbs the flame or smoke. Mark any such areas with a pencil.
    
2. Clean and prep the area. You will want a clean, dry surface before applying caulk or adhesive weatherstripping. First remove any old, dry, brittle caulk or other sealing materials Then use a gentle cleaner to wipe away the residue and any accumulated dust, pollen, and grime. Dry the area thoroughly. 
    
3. Apply caulk. Start to weatherproof windows by applying caulk as needed to cracks and gaps that are less than ¼ of an inch wide. Use your finger to smooth out the caulk.
   
   Typically, you will caulk cracks in the window framing and adjoining wall, but some homeowners choose to apply a temporary window seal for winter by caulking the sashes to the frame. This means the window is sealed shut, and you’ll need to remove the caulking in the spring if you want to move the sashes freely. If you want to seal your windows seasonally, add temporary caulking to your winter home maintenance checklist.
    
4. Apply weatherstripping, foam tape, or backer rods. Measure and cut weatherstripping or foam tape to size and apply around the perimeter of the window. You may also consider using a foam or rubber backer rod where the sash meets the sill.
    
5. Confirm the elimination of drafts. With the window newly sealed, again check for drafts using your hand, smoke, or a flame. Apply more caulk or weatherstripping as needed. 

Sealing Doors to Prevent Drafts

Weatherstripping isn’t strictly for windows. It also makes for an effective door sealer to prevent drafts. Follow the same steps outlined above to identify drafts and prep the area for the application of weatherstripping.

Apply foam tape or weatherstripping along the top and sides of the door frame. Eliminate drafts that enter under the door by installing a door sweep. Bear in mind that the door sweep needs to withstand the wear and tear of the door opening and closing, so measure carefully and use a durable sweep.

Additional Tips for Weatherproofing Your Home

There are additional measures you can take to further weatherproof your home and increase your potential energy savings. Here are several more items to add to your seasonal home checklist:

• Add window treatments, such as insulating curtains or cellular shades.
• Install insulation in the attic, basement, and crawl spaces.
• Check for drafts and seal electrical outlets and switch plates.
• Apply plastic window insulation to your window panes.
• Check that the chimney damper is closed when you’re not using your fireplace.
• Insulate plumbing and seal gaps in the walls where pipes enter the home.

When to Call a Professional for Window and Door Sealing

Door and window sealing is usually a DIY activity, but you may want to enlist the help of a professional in some circumstances. Here’s when you may want to reach out to a contractor:

• The framing of your doors or windows is rotted, warped, or otherwise damaged.
• The windows or doors won’t close or latch properly.
• The window glass needs to be replaced.
• Drafts persist even after sealing.

More Ways to Protect Your Home

Weatherproofing your home helps you save on your energy bills, but it can also extend the life of your home heating appliances. In making your home more energy efficient, you’re reducing your demand on your home appliances and limiting wear and tear.

Other methods of protecting your home appliances include preventive maintenance, annual service checkups, and home warranty protection. A home warranty ensures that if a problem does arise, it’s fixed quickly, effectively, and affordably.

Liberty Home Guard’s warranty coverage is expansive, protecting virtually all home appliances and systems. We also offer a robust menu of home service options. Find the plan for your home by calling (833)-545-3434.