Brr! It’s getting chillier outside, the days are getting shorter, and the trees are beginning to loose their leaves. For owners of older Minnesota homes, fall might mean something more than apple crisp and pot roast on Sundays; it might mean drafty hallways, chilly floors on bare feet, and anxiety about rising energy bills. This year, we’re here to give you a little relief. Yes, feel free to bake up that apple pie and smile at Daylight Savings Time! With these simple tips, winterizing your older home will be a fall breeze.
• Problem: Loosing warm air through drafts and crevices around doors and windows due to the settling of an older home.
Solution: Expandable Foam. It’s easily accessible, easy to use, and very efficient. It comes in an aerosol spray can with a straw on it, and can be sprayed into crevices of any shape or size. The foam will expand to fill the area and will work itself around objects for a tight seal. Any excess foam can be trimmed with a razor once it’s dry, then sanded and painted over to match your interior.
• Problem: Missing trim.
Solution: Add decorative trims and/or molding. Use your spray foam and/or pieces of insulation underneath, and finish up with decorative trims or moldings for added protection. This can be painted or stained to match, too!
• Problem: Drafts around windows and doors that aren’t tightly fitted to their frames anymore or don’t close tightly – also the result of an older home settling.
Solution: Make sure all latches and latch plates are secure and in proper working order. If gaps are present around the frame, use weather stripping. Now would be a good time to make sure no additional caulking is needed around frames, casings, or individual glass panes. Last, make sure all doors and windows are locked whenever possible to create the tightest seal against winter wind.
• Problem: The bottoms of doors and windows are causing a draft.
Solution: You can purchase tubular draft stops to place on the floor in front of problematic doors and windows. Also, use heavier curtains and blinds as an extra barrier between your family and the cold outdoors.
• Problem: Older, thin glass windows.
Solution: Buy plastic window coverings that are applied with double-sided tape to the interior frame. This is an easy, attractive solution to a costly problem. The wrinkles in the plastic will smooth out and leave a clear surface when a blow-dryer is used, and your heavy winter curtains can cover up any evidence the plastic.
• Problem: Old stone or block foundations allow air access to pipes and plumbing fixtures.
Solution: Easily accessible piping can be insulated inexpensively with pipe insulation. It comes preformed, with a slit in the side for easy application for many differently sized pipes. Bank your home the easy way by raking mulch and leaves against the foundation, or buy plastic sheeting and rolls of thin foam insulation to cover foundation openings.
• Problem: Permanently installed air conditioning units.
Solution: Cover units, while taking care not to cover any heating vents or disturbing any gas or utility lines.
In addition to these tips, it is crucial to keep up with furnace maintenance. On an annual basis, call a professional to clean and inspect your furnace, and be sure to replace your filters. If you have followed all of these steps, but are still facing higher energy bills than what you expect/want, it may be time to hire a professional to update your home. Newer windows and doors are very efficient in keeping cold air out and warm air in, and things like new siding and/or insulation can make a huge difference in the long run.
So, breathe easy as the smell of cinnamon and cocoa fill up your beautiful old home, knowing that your money can be spent on more holiday trimmings rather than a bigger energy bill this winter.
