Winter is like that ex you can’t shake off. It keeps coming back, even when you’re done with it. You try to move on, but it shows up uninvited. It’s like winter drafts that make your home cold.

But don’t worry, we can fight back. We can prepare our homes for winter and stay warm.

Sealing up your house is key to staying warm. You can seal windows and doors, insulate your attic, and fix plumbing issues. We’re here to help you do it all, so your home stays cozy this winter.

Key Takeaways

• Protect your home from drafts by sealing windows and doors and properly insulating
• Prevent plumbing issues by safeguarding pipes from freezing
• Keep your HVAC system in top shape to maintain a cozy home atmosphere during winter

Seal the Windows so He Can’t Get Back In

Drafts in your home are like an unwanted ex. They keep coming back and are annoying. Let’s talk about how to get rid of them.

Caulking Away the Cold

To keep cold air out, use caulk. Gaps and holes let cold air in, just like your ex showing up unexpectedly. Here’s how to stop it:

Mr air leak

1. Detect the gaps: Look for cold spots around windows, like your ex’s surprise visits.
2. Arm yourself with caulk. Use a caulk gun to seal gaps tightly.
3. Apply, smooth, and dry: Show off your DIY skills by applying caulk well.

Voilà! No more cold drafts, just like no more unwanted visits from your ex.

Weather Stripping: An Adult Kind of Strip Tease

Let’s talk about stripping—the PG kind. Weatherstripping seals gaps and cracks around your windows. It keeps cold air out, like an ex looking for leftover pumpkin pie.

1. Measure your stripping needs: Check the gaps around your windows. It’s like seeing if Mr. Ex still fits in your life (spoiler: he doesn’t).
2. Pick your poison: Choose weatherstripping material like V-strip, adhesive-backed foam, or door sweeps. The options are endless (just like your dating options post-Mr. Ex)!
3. Install and enjoy: Put it up and enjoy draft-free windows. It’s like shutting the door on Mr. Ex for good.

Window Film: Not Your Grandma’s Plastic Wrap

Window Film – Finally, the film we can watch without Mr. Ex breathing down our necks. Slap some window film on those drafty windows and feel the satisfaction of covering up those energy-wasting leaks.

1. Size it up: Measure your windows to know how much film you need, just like sizing up the chance of Mr. Ex making a comeback (zero, BTW).
2. Clean before sticking: Clean the glass, otherwise, that film won’t stick, much like how Mr. Ex couldn’t stick around in your life.
3. Apply and heat: Put the film on the window and blow-dry it so it clings tightly. This creates an insulation layer that keeps the cold from creeping in.

That’s it, folks! Say ta-ta to those relationships of unwanted air movement, increased heating costs, and discomfort, just like we kicked Mr. Ex to the curb! Happy draft-free living!

Battling the Breezy Doors

Breezy doors

Ah, winter. That magical time of year when the snow falls, hot cocoa flows, and your ex-husband’s cold, icy heart makes a little more sense. But have you ever noticed that your home also seems to catch a chill during the colder months? That’s right, I’m talking about those dreaded door drafts. If you’re tired of feeling like Old Man Winter himself has taken up residence under your door, let me reveal a few secret weapons I’ve discovered in my never-ending war against the cold.

The Sweeping Success of Door Sweeps

Imagine you’re cozied up in your favorite snuggie, binge-watching yet another Netflix series, when you suddenly feel a chilly breeze at your feet. It’s like Mr. Ex has returned to haunt your living room. But don’t fear—door sweeps are here to expel that icy presence.

Door sweeps are like the valiant knights of the draft battle, steadfastly shielding your home from the ruthless invasion of cold air. They attach to the bottom of your door and create a barrier that prevents cold air from entering and warm air from escaping. Installing a door sweep is like hiring a bouncer to keep those unwanted drafts out of your house party. Bonus points: it’ll also likely help lower your heating bills, which is something we all need after paying off attorneys to finalize our divorces, am I right?

But how do you choose the right sweep to slay your drafty nemesis? Well, it’s simple:

1. Measure: Determine the width and length of your door.
2. Choose: Pick a suitable door sweep that matches your measurements.
3. Install: Follow the installation instructions like a pro.
4. Celebrate: Enjoy the pure bliss of draft-free living.

So, grab a door sweep and show that chilly air who’s boss, just like I did with Mr. Ex!

Gaskets: The Unseen Heroes

Behind every great door sweep, there’s a hero: the gasket. Trust me, gaskets are the unsung heroes of draft prevention.

Gaskets are flexible strips that seal gaps. They keep the outside air out and warm air in. A sealed door is like keeping unwanted visitors out of your favorite spot.

Here’s how to use gaskets at home:

1. Detect: Find leaks around doors by feeling for drafts or using a candle.
2. Select: Pick the right weather stripping or gasket for your door and gaps.
3. Install: Cut, peel, and stick them to the door or doorframe.
4. Revel: Enjoy a cozier, energy-efficient home.

With door sweeps and gaskets, you can conquer breezy doors. Make your winter home a comfy sanctuary. Good luck, and may the warmth be with you!

Insulating the Attic: Your House’s Winter Hat

Remember when Mr. Ex refused to wear a winter hat? His ears turned red, and he was cold all day. Your house feels the same without enough attic insulation. Let’s explore insulation options to keep your home warm.

Rolling Out Comfort with Batt Insulation

Batt insulation is like your grandma’s scarf for your ceiling. It’s easy to install and reduces heat loss. To keep cold out, unroll batts in your attic’s trusses or joists. Make sure they fit snugly and insulate the attic access.

Sealing drafts saves money on heating bills and makes your home comfier. It’s like wearing a hat to keep warm.

Blown-In Insulation: Like Snow, But Warmer

Blown-in insulation is like an avalanche of warmth. It tackles energy loss and discomfort. It’s made of tiny particles that fill every nook, creating a tight barrier.

But how do we know which insulation is right for our winter fortress? You could ask Mr. Ex… or follow these steps:

1. First, take a look (or just a feel) for detecting those breezy gaps. Where’s the source? If you can pinpoint that pesky draft, you’re well on your way to gettin’ cozy.
2. Addressing leaks: Check around vents and other openings in your attic for spots where the frigid air is sneaking in. Cold air is like that pesky drunk guy at the bar: it only takes one crack to let ’em in.
3. Stopping airflow: Seal any gaps or openings you find with caulk, spray foam, or magic (just kidding, please use caulk or spray foam) to block out that unwanted breeze.
4. Insulation upgrades: Now that you’ve done the groundwork, it’s time to choose your insulation. It’s like picking out your favorite cocktail dress (though, not quite as sexy). Whether you go for batt or blown-in, make sure it covers all those drafty areas like my favorite pair of leggings after a serious carb binge.

So there you have it. Take control of your home’s winter hat and bask in the warm glow of savings and comfort, as you watch Mr. Ex shiver out in the cold.

Plumbing: Don’t Let Your Pipes Pull a Titanic

I know a thing or two about things pulling a Titanic (ehem, my divorce), and let me tell you, burst pipes during the wintertime are like the icing on a frozen cake. So, let’s avoid our own personal iceberg situations and dive into some essential winterization.

Faucets and Hoses: Freeze-Free Fun

Now, much like my ex, garden hoses can cause some serious trouble if left to their own devices. So let’s give them the boot before they bring in the frost with them. Believe me, you want to disconnect your garden hoses, drain ’em, and store them away to avoid those burst pipes. And while you’re at it, cover outdoor faucets with insulation or some fancy faucet covers. Let’s keep things cozy and freeze-free.

Insulation Jackets: Giving Your Pipes a Cozy Hug

After dealing with Mr. Ex, I’ve learned the importance of self-care and keeping warm. And, guess what? Your pipes need the same love. Pamper them with some insulation jackets like they’re enjoying a day at the spa. Insulating exposed pipes in colder areas of the house keeps the cold out and the warmth in. And when it comes to your hot water pipes, bonus points for energy efficiency. You stylishly protect your pipes, and they reward you with bursts of warmth instead of icy catastrophes. Now, isn’t that just a win-win?

So, folks, let’s bid adieu to frozen pipes and the chaos they bring, much like my ex’s never-ending drama. Bundle up your plumbing and enjoy a winter where the Titanic-sized problems stay where they belong – in the past.

Cool Roof and Gutter TLC

Hey there party people, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of winterizing your home—it isn’t just about snuggling under a cozy blanket. Nope, we’re going to dive headfirst into the world of roofs and gutters like the dynamic duo they are—Batman and Robin, cookies and milk, me and my charming legal skills. Fun, right? Here’s some wisdom for ya, courtesy of my insufferable narrator (that’s me) and the fascinating world of roof maintenance.

Gutter Guards: Your Personal Roof Bouncer

Want to keep those drafty pipes away? Imagine gutter guards like bouncers on your roof. They keep leaves and debris out of your gutters. Plus, they stop debris from clogging joints.

These aren’t just any gutter guards. They are 100% dedicated to protecting your roof.

Installing gutter guards is easy. It’s like my five-year-long-wronged-woman-feisty-Beyonce-revenge-quest in divorce court.

1. Choose the right gutter guard: mesh, bottle brush, or reverse curve. They work for all kinds of weather.
2. Install them on your roof. Make sure they cover everything well. We don’t want any water leaks.

Inspection: Avoiding a Roof-top Apocalypse

Now, let’s talk about roof inspection. Don’t worry, you don’t have to climb your house like Spider-Man. Just call a pro for a thorough check.

Inspection is key. You wouldn’t let Mr. Ex back in without checking him first, right?

Here’s what you need to check:

Energy loss and heat loss: Insulation is important. Check and maybe upgrade your insulation wraps.

Cold spots: Fix the cold areas with sealing and caulking. It gets better with time.

Moisture problems and mold growth: Mold is bad. Remove humidity and seal drafts. Use weatherstripping, spray foam, or Marmox board.

By taking care of your gutters and roof, you avoid big problems. Stay warm while they do the work. Unlike Mr. Ex, they won’t complain.

Hooray for HVAC: Heating Things Up For A Change

Winter is great for cozying up by the fireplace. But drafts can make it cold. We have tricks to keep your home warm and draft-free!

Filter Follies: A Dusty Saga

The furnace filter is a key part of your heating system. Yet, it often gets forgotten, like your Facebook status. A dirty filter cuts down airflow and makes your HVAC system work harder. It’s like trying to win back an ex—unlikely to succeed.

Changing the filter can save energy and get rid of cold spots. It’s a simple fix that makes a big difference.

Keeping your system running well is important. A carbon monoxide detector is a must near your furnace. It keeps you safe from harm.

Thermostat Theater: The Quest for the Perfect Temperature

Thermostat battles can be as exciting as a Broadway show. Finding the right temperature is like searching for Mr. Right—it’s hard and requires compromise.

1. Sealing gaps is key to fighting drafts. Look for air leaks near floorboards, outlets, and windows. They’re the culprits behind the cold.
2. Adding insulation is a secret to staying warm. Your crawlspace needs a vapor barrier to keep it cozy. It’s an investment that pays off.
3. Using gaskets or foam inserts in outlet covers is another smart move. It seals drafts and saves on energy bills. It’s a small change with big benefits.

Here’s your guide to staying warm this winter. With the right steps, you can beat the drafts and stay cozy. Stay frosty, my friends!