Properly sealing gaps and cracks and adding insulation can save an average of 11% on total energy costs, according to the Environmental Protection Agency’s ENERGY STAR® program. Here are some of the best insulation options to seal a home from top to bottom:
Draft stops slide onto the bottom of a door or window for easy installation. Frost King’s Double Draft Stop and M-D Building Products Draft Buster require no drilling or screws and effectively block cold drafts and debris while improving energy efficiency. This draft stop can be used on carpet or hardwood floors and even doubles as a draft stop for windows.
GREAT Stuff Gaps and Cracks Insulating Spray Foam Sealant is a polyurethane-based insulating foam sealant that fills, air-seals and insulates small gaps and cracks inside or out. It eliminates unwanted airflow, reduces condensation and blocks out unwanted critters.
Most drafts come from windows and door frames, and weatherstripping is a great solution to improve energy efficiency by reducing air leaks. If you’re in a pinch and need a quick, easy and affordable solution, consider Frost King Weather Strip Tape and M-D Building Products Weather Strip Tape. The weatherstrip tape is self-adhesive and seals out drafts, dust, and moisture around doors and windows.
This easy-to-install option from Owens Corning closes the insulation gap created by attic stair access, helping to reduce energy costs year-round. It is made of a durable, pink fiberglass insulation and tough, highly reflective foil.
According to EPA, the main source of heat loss in the winter is due to an under-insulated attic space. If you can see floor joists in your attic, you probably need more insulation. Fiberglass blown-in insulation from Knauf, Johns Manville, and Owens Corning is a great solution for open attic applications. The brands we carry meet indoor air quality standards and contain recycled content. Adding it to an attic provides additional sound control, comfort and energy-savings year-round.
Don’t know how much insulation to purchase? Use our handy Insulation Calculator to take out the guesswork. To learn more about prepping your home for winter, visit ENERGY STAR’s Rule Your Attic information page.
Visit homedepot.com for a winter home maintenance checklist.
