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Home » diy » It’s Cold! Home Winterizing Tips

diy · January 26, 2015

It’s Cold! Home Winterizing Tips

Tatertots & Jello is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

In the Rocky Mountains, where I live, we’ve had an interesting winter this year. The snow has come a bit later than usual, but it has arrived, along with colder weather. And every year, no matter how much I think I’ve stayed on top of it, it’s time to make sure my house is ready for the winter weather.

home.winterizing.tips.tatertotsandjello

As my friends at Pella suggested, I’ll share a few of my favorite tips to keep my home warmer and more energy-efficient during the winter months. There are many other things you can do, but these are a few that I do every year.

First, and my favorite, is to make sure you’re letting in as much sunlight as possible. While I’ve adjusted my drapes and blinds to keep the house cool in the summer by blocking direct sun, now I’ve adjusted them to let in as much light as possible.

Although the sun’s rays are weaker this time of year, they still add warmth. And a bonus — the more sunlight, the less wintry it feels (avoiding the winter blues).

pella.stylish.family.room.windows2

Image via Pella

Second,

I always check the weatherstripping on all of my doors and windows. (Weatherstripping sounds way more exotic than it actually is — it’s just that plastic or rubber seal around your doors and windows that helps keep drafts out.) Inevitably, there is at least one door that needs its weatherstripping replaced. I have less of a problem with windows — and quality windows and doors like those from Pella will hold up better in the long run as well. Still, weatherstripping is easy to replace and makes a big difference in sealing out those drafts.

snowflake front porch at the 1905cottage

This has been especially important on the split door at the #1905Cottage!

Third, besides checking the weatherstripping, I also check for any missing caulk around doors and windows. Especially in an older house like the cottage I grab a tube of silicone caulk – in whatever color matches the trim I’m touching up – and look for peeling or missing caulk around doors, windows and even little places like where the power and cable lines go into the attic.

winter.pella.window2

Image via Pella

Fourth, and this is something you definitely don’t do every year (LOL), consider replacing your windows with more energy-efficient ones. At the #1905Cottage, the last generation of windows was aluminum-framed with single panes — not very attractive or energy-efficient! So I invested in replacing those remaining windows, and it has made a huge difference in my winter heating bill (and has kept it cooler in the summer as well).

Of course, if you’re replacing single-pane windows, you’ll want at least double-pane windows. If you’re in a particularly noisy area or one with major temperature extremes, you may even want to consider triple-pane ones! Also look for:

  • Windows with Low-E insulating glass that helps keep the sun’s damaging UV rays from damaging your furniture, floors, walls and shelves. (For example, Pella says their Pella® 350Series blocks 86% of UV rays.)
  • Windows that meet ENERGY STAR® certification. The lower the U-Factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) ratings, the better — for exceptional energy efficiency.
  • Windows from a reputable brand you know and trust — so you know you can rely on them for years of use.

(And for more decor and maintenance ideas, check out Pella’s cool DIY Pinterest board!)

diy.pinterest

 

* * * * *

Pella-RGB

Thanks to Pella for sponsoring this post — you can learn more about Pella, and even request a free, in-home consultation and quote, by visiting Pella.com.

You can also follow Pella on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Pinterest!

xoxo

jen signature

This post was sponsored by Pella; however, the content and opinions are all mine. See my disclosures.

Posted By: Jen · In: diy

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Comments

  1. Amanda says

    January 30, 2015 at 9:33 PM

    I love the tips. I think I’m going to need to go and check the caulking around the house. I’m pretty sure it’s time to refresh it.
    In addition…I may need a yellow door! It is so instantly cheerful!

    Thanks for the tips.

  2. Amy at Living Locurto says

    January 27, 2015 at 8:51 AM

    I’m dying to get some Pella windows and doors! My family is from Pella, Iowa and I’ve always wanted them down here in Texas:-) Great tips!

  3. TidyMom says

    January 27, 2015 at 6:51 AM

    great post Jen!! we need to replace some of the weatherstripping in our house where the cold and heat it leaking in around a few windows.

  4. Chrissy says

    January 26, 2015 at 7:10 PM

    Great tips! Minnesota is so cold – good windows are so important for us!

  5. Jamielyn@iheartnaptime says

    January 26, 2015 at 7:08 PM

    Great tips! Thanks for sharing Jen!

  6. kim- Today's Creative Blog says

    January 26, 2015 at 4:59 PM

    Weather Proofing is SO important and people just don’t think about it enough! Great tips!

  7. Leigh Anne WIlkes says

    January 26, 2015 at 2:48 PM

    Thanks for all the great tips!

Hi! I'm Jen Hadfield. I'm a mom of 5 restoring an 1891 home in the heart of Salt Lake City. I love being creative and sharing simple ideas to make your life easier and more beautiful!

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