Winter is coming—and it’s time to ensure your home is prepared. If you’re wondering how to save energy—and money—during these cold, unforgiving months, make sure winterizing your home is at the top of your to-do list. Here are some of our best tips to winterize your doors and windows.

Winterizing your doors

Your doors can let a lot of cold air in. Try these suggestions to weatherproof your home:

• Get some weatherstripping: Weatherstripping is not only easy to apply and remove, if necessary, but it will stop drafts from entering your home. Make sure you choose a type specifically rated for doors.
• Consider a door sweep: A door sweep not only brushes dust and debris back out of your home, but it can help keep drafts away. They’re usually easy to install. You simply screw in a small metal frame, then insert the door sweep portion to ensure your home is protected from dust, debris and cold air.
• Switch out storm door screens with glass panes: If you have a storm door, you can use it for insulation during the colder months. Simply switch out the screens for glass panes. This adds another layer of insulation between your front door and the warm, cozy ambience inside your home.

Winterizing your windows

There are also steps you can take to ensure your windows are ready for whatever winter throws at them:

• Try insulating window film: Insulating window film adds another layer of insulation and protection. If you’re wondering how to save energy this winter, there are many window films that you can easily apply to your interior windows, which will reduce heat transfer throughout the colder months.
• Use weatherstripping along the edges: If you have any gaps in your windows, window weatherstripping can help keep the cold air where it belongs—far away from your home’s heated interior.
• Caulk gaps around the edges: For a more permanent solution, caulk any gaps around window edges. This will ensure no cold air can seep through gaps in your window frames.
• Use plastic sheeting: Thick plastic sheeting can also help you keep warm air in, even when it’s well below zero outdoors. Just apply double-sided 3M tape, stretch the plastic and use a blow dryer to seal the plastic. You’ll enjoy less heat transfer all winter long.
• Invest in thick drapes or blinds: Thick drapes and blinds can help you keep indoor temperatures under control. During the summer, they help block out hot sun during the daytime. In the winter, you should open them to let the sun and heat in, then close them at night to further insulate your home.
• Clean the outside windows: Finally, make sure you clean your outside windows. Professional window cleaners are especially important if you have a multi-story window, as they have the proper equipment and can safely get to the higher windows. Cleaning ensures that you can allow heat to come in as necessary.

Winterizing your home and keeping it insulated during the winter starts with your doors and windows—but if you need exterior help, make sure to call Rhino Exteriors. We can help you install roofing and siding that will keep your home warm all season long.