Bitter Cold Temperatures Can Cost Homeowners an Extra $300 – How to Air Conditioning and Save Money

Much of the country is experiencing unseasonably cold temperatures right now, and most people are turning up the thermostat to stay toasty.

But living in a house with multiple drafts can drain your wallet, as heat is escaping as fast as you’re trying to heat it up.

This makes your heating system work much harder and this increased electricity use leads to higher bills.

So here’s how to identify scratchy areas, find and fix trouble spots, and save your money on things like blankets, cozy socks, and hot chocolate!

Common rooms with electricity in the house

Any part of the house can be scratchy, but rooms with the most exposed gaps are usually the worst offenders.

“Attics are usually the place with the most heat loss, especially those with poor insulation,” says Gilbert Michaud, a professor at Loyola University Chicago who studies renewable energy and energy efficiency. “Other rooms with exterior doors or windows are often sliding, such as entryways and living rooms with large windows and/or sliding glass doors.”

Basements also tend to be drafty since they are located below ground level and often have gaps or poorly sealed windows that allow cold air to penetrate.

“Don’t forget about laundry rooms with dryer vents, kitchens with hood vents, and even garages attached to living spaces,” says Justin Cornforth, owner of Ace Home Company in Williamston, SC. “These bypassed areas can contribute significantly to heat loss.”

Finding gaps

Once you get into the toughest rooms in your home, it’s time to find the gaps.

The usual suspects are windows, doors and electrical outlets.

“Windows and doors, if they’re old or poorly insulated, should ideally be weather-sealed to keep out drafts on a regular basis,” says Shu Saito, an HVAC and filtration expert at All Filters LLC in Salt Lake City. “Replacing windows and doors also depends on condition, but if they’re hollow, it’s a good idea to replace them every 15 to 20 years.”

Electrical outlets, especially those on exterior walls, can let air in if they’re not properly sealed, Saito warns. Seal gaps around plugs with caps as needed and replace plugs every 10 to 15 years.

“Lesser-known highlights such as recessed lighting, chimney flues and mail spaces should not be overlooked,” says Cornforth. “Inspect these areas annually, reseal as needed and replace if damage is significant.”

How to check your home for drafts

To detect outlines, many experts suggest that you start by listening for hissing or crackling noises.

“It doesn’t always work as some sketches are subtle, but it can be effective – especially if it’s very windy,” says Saito.

Using a thermal detector – which uses infrared technology to identify where heat is escaping from a building – is “the gold standard for a DIY approach”, according to Cornforth.

Another common way to detect drafts is the “candle test,” where you light a candle and move it along the edges of doors and windows. If the flame flickers, it signals a current.

Using incense also works. “Just hold it near doors and windows to see if smoke is drifting through any cracks, indicating airflow,” says Saito.

How to fix drafts in your home and save money

Now that you’ve discovered the blueprints, it’s time to lock them down – because if you don’t, you could be throwing away a lot of money.

“Most estimates suggest that people with weathered windows and doors can lose approximately 20 to 30% in heating costs,” says Michaud.

According to a report from the National Association of Energy Assistance Directors, the average cost of heating a home this winter is expected to be $941. That means you could lose up to $282 a year due to drafts.

Over a decade, “that’s enough to fund significant upgrades like energy-efficient windows or even contribute to a new HVAC system,” says Cornforth.

Properly sealing gaps drastically reduces these losses, according to Saito—which is why it’s so important to make sure your home is airtight.

“Insulate attic floors, seal exterior frames and use foam gaskets for outlets,” advises Cornforth.

DIY weatherstripping kits you can buy at the hardware store are also a good way to add some extra air sealing around older exterior doors and windows, according to Simon Bernath, CEO of FurnacePrices.ca.

In more significant problem areas, consider professional help to completely seal gaps in your attic, walls, or foundation.

“The payoff will be huge in terms of energy efficiency if steps are taken to ensure these areas are tightly closed,” assures Saito.

While you’re at it, ask your electric or gas company if they offer rebates or incentives for efficiency improvements.

“Many programs cover a portion of your costs for insulation, insulation or energy-efficient windows,” says Cornforth.

Another thing most utility companies offer are free or low-cost “energy audits.”

This is a thorough inspection by a professional to identify areas of energy inefficiency and suggest ways to reduce energy consumption.

Michaud explains that these “recommendations tailored to your home” can be extremely valuable in reducing energy costs.