Are you feeling a chill in your home from time to time? Perhaps an inexplicable and sudden rush of cold air? Luckily for you, your house isn’t haunted; you probably just have a problem with drafts!
Leaks around the house may not jeopardize the structural integrity or overall well-being of your home, but they can introduce an unnecessary chill and force you to spend more money on heating costs. During colder months, there are many reasons your home can become drafty, and it (probably) isn’t because it’s haunted!
Here are just a few ways to keep chills out and heat in this Halloween season:
Seal those leaky doors and windows
Addressing cracks and gaps around your doors and windows is perhaps the most obvious fix on this list, but the most critical. These areas are typically the most common source of drafts. By applying sealant to windows, you can block unwanted cold air. Additionally, using a door draft stopper is a simple and affordable solution that helps prevent drafts from sneaking in under your doors.
Faulty insulation
Another major reason your home may struggle to stay warm is faulty insulation. If insulation was installed incorrectly, or if your house is old enough to lack proper insulation entirely, cold air can easily seep in. Ensuring your home has quality, properly installed insulation is crucial for keeping the cold out as temperatures drop.
Don’t forget about the outlets
Electrical outlets on your walls can be a surprising source of drafts in your home. These small openings may allow cold air to seep in, making it harder to maintain a warm temperature indoors. Luckily, it is an easy fix! Installing socket-sealers behind your outlets can effectively stop leaks and reduce unwanted airflow in your home.
Check the lights
Recessed or can lighting in ceilings often extend into the attic or crawl space of the home. Because these areas usually lack heating, they create potential pathways for cold air to escape. To prevent these leaks, ensure that there is proper insulation surrounding the fixture. If your recessed lighting lacks insulation, contact an electrician to discuss solutions.
Leaks in the attic and basement
Cold air can enter your home through leaks and improperly sealed cracks, especially in areas you don’t visit often such as your attic and basement. To help maintain a comfortable indoor temperature, it is essential to periodically inspect both the attic and basement for any signs of drafts or air leaks.
Heating your home can be expensive, and a drafty home is an inefficient one. To save on heating expenses, regularly inspect your home for spots where cold air might sneak in and take steps, like those above, to seal leaks and keep warmth inside. And as Halloween approaches, double check that those mysterious chills aren’t just ghosts dropping by for a visit.
