How to weatherize your home.

1. Identify air leaks.

Air leaks can make it more difficult to maintain your home’s internal temperature.  If you have gaps and cracks, warm air could escape from your home. This could cause you to increase the temperature in your home — leading to higher energy bills.

Identifying areas that aren't properly sealed with caulking or weather stripping is important. Start with a visual inspection of your home’s exterior and interior. Inspect the areas around doors, windows, baseboards, crown molding, outlets and any other gaps between your home’s materials. Don't forget to inspect your attic and basement as well.

2. Apply weatherstripping.

Weatherstripping can be used to seal up gaps and cracks in your home. It's made of materials like felt, foam, plastic, and metal, and you can buy it from a local hardware store. Apply it to windows or doors facing outside to stop air from getting in.

Weatherstripping is also a great way to block drafts. However, foot traffic can damage it if it's installed on the bottom of doors. Instead, use door sweeps (or door draft stoppers) to achieve a similar purpose.

Tip: Install door sweeps on any door that leads outside. Keep in mind that not all doors are the same size. So, be sure to measure your door before purchasing a door sweep.

3. Use caulking.

Caulking is another way you can weatherproof your home and lower your heating costs this fall and winter. Like with weatherstripping, caulking can prevent drafts and keep your home sealed.

However, whereas weatherstripping is used to seal up areas with moving parts and components, caulk is best suited for stationary areas. Use caulk to fill gaps near baseboards, window frames, crown molding, ceilings and more.

4. Install low-e storm windows.

If you live in a cold area, low-emissivity (low-e) storm windows can keep your home warm by trapping the heat inside. They can also help reduce drafts and air leaks. According to the Department of Energy, storm windows "can reduce overall home air leakage by 10% or more."

5. Add insulation.

Additional insulation is another strategy homeowners can use to improve their home’s energy efficiency and comfort during the colder weather. Consider insulating areas that may not already have insulation, such as:

• Basement walls and ceiling
• Attic walls and ceiling
• Exterior walls
• Ducts
• Flooring (especially floors that are located above an unheated garage)
• Crawl spaces

Installing insulation in these areas can be expensive. However, it’s one of the best ways to reduce heat loss in your home.

Pro tip: You should also inspect any existing insulation in unfinished areas to make sure it’s up to snuff.

Related: How much does insulation cost?

6. Keep your gutters in check.

If your roofing becomes damaged, water may seep through and damage your insulation. So ask yourself, "When was the last I cleaned my gutters?" Cleaning your gutters can ultimately help prevent damage that can be expensive to repair.

Check your gutters for debris, ice dams, leaves, twigs and other types of debris every few months. And whether you hire a professional or do it yourself, you should aim to have your gutters cleaned about every six months.

Related: How to clean your gutters.

7. Inspect your roof.

Speaking of gutter cleaning, regularly inspect your roof to make sure that there are no signs of damage. Check your roof’s exterior, and look for missing shingles, cracks and gaps — all of which could cause energy loss.

You should also inspect your roof from the outside and inside in your attic or top floor. Look for any signs of water damage, leaks or openings.

If you suspect roof damage, it’s best to fix it right away. While roof repairs can be pricey, they only get worse over time. 

Related: 5 signs that your roof is in need of repair ASAP.

8. Upgrade your window treatments.

Bare glass windows may make a stylish statement in some homes, but they’re not the most energy-efficient. According to the Department of Energy, windows lose about 30% of a home's heating energy.

With that said, it’s a good idea to install shades or drapes to help regulate your home’s temperature. Specifically, look into the following:

• Blinds
• Insulated cellular shades
• Roman or roller shades
• Window quilts
• Silver or mirror-like window films
• Drapes (medium-colored with white-plastic backings)
• Curtains

Did you know? Closing your shades or blinds during cold weather can help you retain heat inside your home.

9. Close your flue (if you're not using your fireplace).

Cozy fires are a great way to stay warm during chilly nights. But when you're not using your fireplace, ensure that you close and check your flue to ensure it's working properly.

Remember this: hot air rises. If you keep the flue open without a fire going, warm air can escape through the chimney. 

10. Insulate your water heater.

You may not think about your water heater often (unless it stops working, of course). But did you know that it can lose a lot of heat during the winter if you don't properly insulate it?

The Department of Energy estimates that insulation could lower your standby heat losses by 25%-45%. That translates to 7%-16% in water heating savings. 

Covering your hot water heater with a blanket is an easy way to increase your home’s energy efficiency. You can’t just use any blanket, though, because this could pose a fire hazard. Instead, select a specialized hot water heater blanket that is designed for this purpose.

Also, make sure your water heater isn’t leaking before you cover it.

11. Get an energy audit.

One last piece of advice: consider hiring a professional to conduct an energy audit on your home. A home energy audit (or assessment) will reveal how your home is using energy for heating, cooling, electricity and water.

These pros can help identify air leaks, recommend repairs and improvements, and help you save money on energy bills in the long run.

Related: Sustainable home improvements that can save you $2,500 a year.

Find weatherproofing services near you.

Weatherproofing or weatherizing your home can help you withstand the elements, maintain a warm, comfortable home, and help save money on energy costs. You can complete the steps above — but why work harder when there's a professional nearby who can do it for you?

Download the Thumbtack app today to find top-rated weatherproofing services near you. Compare pros, receive free estimates, and get ready to enjoy a cozier home.

A note about project costs included or linked in this article: Figures represent national average cost estimates using data provided by Thumbtack pros and additional research. These figures are provided for educational purposes only and are subject to change at any time due to various factors. Details about your specific project and local rates can impact costs.