As the weather gets colder, you may be starting to think about how to keep your house warm. Weatherization is a process in which you protect your house from the outside elements, including snow, rain, and the cold weather! Weatherization will reduce your home’s energy consumption and save you both energy and money. Also, it’s pretty easy to do!

Why is it important to do?

One reason weatherization is important to do is that you become more comfortable in your own home. Not only will weatherization provide better comfort and fewer drafts, but it will also save you money on energy costs while making your home more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. Many homeowners are dealing with higher energy bills year-round and do not realize that proper weatherization techniques can permanently solve the problem. Weatherization also improves air quality, increases moisture control, and prevents things like ice dams, freezing pipes, and mold growth from condensation (since you are controlling moisture more).

What are the cost savings like?

Through weatherization improvements and upgrades, households can save an average of $283 or more each year according to a national evaluation of the program. According to the Department of Energy, you can also save as much as 10% a year on heating and cooling by simply turning your thermostat back 7°-10°F for 8 hours a day from its normal setting.

So, what can I do as a homeowner/renter?

The best thing that you can do is schedule a home energy assessment, where an energy specialist will tell you how your home can be more energy efficient! Go to masssave.com to learn more.

But, there are also plenty of DIY ways that you can weatherize your home with materials that you can purchase at any hardware store.

What item? How do I use it? Where can I use it?
Caulk Buy a caulking tube at any hardware store, and attach it to a caulking gun. Slowly and continuously hold the trigger to create a long bead. Then smooth it down and let it dry. Around the edges of windows/doors (including in your basement!), around your baseboard heaters, any opening on the wall of your house like outlets, dryer vents, as well as gas and water pipes. Anything that you can seal around!
Foam sealant Be sure to wear gloves and protective eyewear. Press down slowly, it continues to release even after you let go of the trigger. Any large gaps (larger than 1-inch), such as around pipes in your basement/attic, or cracks.
Weatherstrip and caulking cord Can be purchased at any home store. Take the cord and press it into place. Easily removable, no caulking gun needed, but not reusable! Around windows (once your window is closed tightly) or doors. It can also be used as a sound deadener!
V-seal/foam weatherstrip Cut V-strip or foam to the desired length, and place down, with V facing inside to create a seal. Within doors or windows to create a seal.
Window insulation shrink kit Stretch plastic provided over the window, and then use hair dryer to shrink it over the window. Not reusable! Around your window frames.

Watch our Mass Appeal Segment to learn more!