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Fortunately, the Sacramento, CA area doesn’t get freezing winters. As a result, homes here don’t have major heating costs to worry about. However, with our energy prices among the highest in the nation, every opportunity for savings is worthwhile. Some of the best methods to trim your home’s heating costs involve targeted upgrades to its insulation. Here are 10 simple ways to seal and insulate your home for winter.
1. Upgrade Your Attic Insulation
If you perform a single significant insulation upgrade in your home, it should be an attic upgrade. It is one of the most cost-effective ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency. In Sacramento, homes need an attic insulation R-value between 30 and 60. The R-value is a measure of how well a material resists heat conduction. The higher the number, the more effective the insulation. If your existing insulation is insufficient, you can install additional insulation on top of it.
If you’re considering an attic insulation upgrade, you should do two other things for the best results. One is to air-seal your attic to keep conditioned air from your home from leaking through. Without doing that, you won’t reap the benefits of additional insulation. The other thing is to ensure your attic has adequate ventilation. Otherwise, adding insulation could create moisture problems and lead to mold growth.
2. Install Weatherstripping
Next, you should prevent air leaks around your doors and windows. For that, you should install weatherstripping. Most weatherstripping products consist of adhesive foam or felt strips. You can install them around the perimeter of your doorjambs to create a barrier against drafts. You can also install them along every window’s top and bottom edge to create a tight seal against the windowsill. According to the Department of Energy, weatherstripping could cut your home’s energy costs by 20%.
3. Install Door Sweeps
Next, add door sweeps on your exterior doors to prevent air leaks. Weatherstripping can only seal the top and sides of your doors. Door sweeps move with the door and seal the bottom edge when you close it. They’re an excellent way to prevent drafts, save money, and increase comfort.
4. Swap Your Screen Door
If your home has screen doors, they should have glass panels you can substitute for the screens. Doing that before winter arrives is another way to insulate your home for winter. While it will only yield modest energy savings, it will also help prevent drafts from entering your home.
5. Install Outlet Gaskets
Another place where cold air could infiltrate your home in the winter is through its electrical outlets. Any outlets installed in exterior walls are of concern. To prevent air leaks, you can purchase and install foam outlet gaskets. First, you should remove the outlet covers on your exterior wall outlets. Then, run a bead of caulk to seal the gap between your drywall and each electrical box. Then, place the foam gaskets as specified by their manufacturer. When you reinstall the covers, it will form an air seal.
6. Apply Window Film
If your home has old windows, they may not do a great job keeping heat inside your home. That’s especially true if they contain single-pane glass. The best thing to do is replace them with modern, energy-efficient windows. However, if that’s impossible or impractical, consider adding a layer of window film. You can find it in most hardware stores and big-box home improvement warehouses. Installing most window films requires a pair of scissors, a sponge, and a hair dryer. According to independent laboratory testing, commercially available window films add up to 15% to a window’s R-value.
7. Install Thermal Curtains
Installing thermal curtains is a great way to insulate your home for the winter. They’re a window covering designed to prevent heat gains and losses. If you use them strategically, they can reduce your heating costs. To do that, first install them on your home’s windows. Then, open the curtains whenever the sun shines through your windows. That will maximize solar heat gains during the day and reduce heat demands. Then, close the curtains when it’s overcast or at night. That will trap more heat inside your home and further reduce heat demand.
8. Install Water Heater Insulation
If your home has a storage tank water heater, it is another excellent target for an insulation upgrade. That’s especially true if your water heater is over a few years old. There are two ways to determine if you might benefit from additional water heater insulation. First, if you can find your water heater spec sheet, check if it boasts an insulation R-value of 23 or higher. If it does, adding additional insulation won’t help. Failing that, place your hand on the side of your water heater. Adding insulation would likely be beneficial if it feels warm to the touch.
9. Inspect and Upgrade Exterior Caulking
Generally, every opening in your home’s exterior walls will feature caulking around it. That includes windows, doors, and hose bibs. The problem is that caulking doesn’t last forever. It can dry out and crumble, leaving gaps where outside air can penetrate your home. Inspecting your home’s exterior for caulking problems is a good idea. If you spot missing caulking, replace it. Run a new bead over any caulking that appears cracked or shows signs of shrinkage. It’s vital to choose a caulk rated for exterior use. They’re specially formulated to resist damage from moisture, temperature fluctuations, and exposure to the sun.
10. Insulate Exposed Ductwork
Did you know that your HVAC may waste up to 30% of the energy it consumes via ductwork losses? Most of that happens due to air leaks and convective losses. While you can’t remedy that entirely, you can minimize it in a few ways. One way is to insulate any exposed ductwork running through your home. You may find it in your basement, attic, or crawlspace. First, turn on your HVAC and check the exposed ductwork for air leaks. Pay extra attention to joints and areas wrapped in duct tape. Repair any leaks you find by applying new duct tape. Then, add insulation with an R-value of between 6 and 8.
Your Trusted Insulation Specialists
If you need help insulating your home in Sacramento for the winter, Atticman Heating and Air Conditioning, Insulation is the place to turn. Our residential efficiency specialists can help you identify parts of your home that need additional insulation. We specialize in attic insulation, which is among the most beneficial upgrades.
We also offer complete HVAC services, including maintenance, repair, and insulation. We provide ductwork, whole-house fans, and water heaters. We’re Better Business Bureau accredited with an A+ rating. Our numerous positive customer reviews back that up. We even offer multiple specials to help you better afford our services. So, if you need insulation upgrades for your Sacramento home, call our experts at Atticman Heating and Air Conditioning, Insulation immediately!
