12 Quick Fixes for a Drafty House

Fixing these trouble spots doesn’t take much effort, time or money — and the payoff of a warm home can’t be beat.

Windows: Secure the sash locks along all the windows in your house to clamp them down as much as possible. You can also seal windows that won’t be opened until spring with temporary caulking.
Exterior doors: Install a door sweep along exterior doors to help keep cold air from entering your house.
Curtains: Put up extra thick curtains. Consider buying ones with thermal lining for extra insulation.
Weather stripping: Seal gaps between doors and side jambs with long pieces of weather stripping.
Chimney: Invest in a chimney balloon if you have an infrequently used fireplace. They’re inexpensive and will help keep cold air from entering your house and warm air from escaping—just make sure to remove them before you build a fire.Related: Here’s Why You Need a Chimney Inspection Every Year
Interior rooms: Close the doors on unused or seldom-used rooms.
Floors: Throw a rug on bare floors, which can account for as much as 10 percent of heat loss in a house.
Cracks: Squirt some silicone-based filler between any cracks or gaps in your flooring.
Insulation: Insulate attics and lofts with inexpensive foam insulation. It can be a DIY job—just remember to wear a facemask, goggles and protective clothing.
Air conditioning: Place plastic covers over air conditioning ducts.
Vents: Check to make sure there are flaps over clothes dryer and bath fan vents. Without them, you have a large hole that is constantly letting cold air enter your home.Related: 9 Tips to Prevent Dryer Fires
Exterior walls: Put up pictures or a mirror on exterior walls—doing so can help insulate walls from the outside air.

Owning a home has many rewards… but it also involves its share of demand. While you’re looking out for your place, we’re looking out for you. Learn more about homeowners insurance from ERIE or find a local agent in your area to ask questions and get a quote.

This story was originally published in 2016. It was updated with new information on Dec. 26, 2018.

There’s nothing like returning to a warm home when it’s freezing outside. Unfortunately, cold air has many sneaky ways to follow you inside. Good news: There are some quick (and inexpensive!) ways to seal drafts and keep your home toasty all winter long. Here’s a quick list.

12 Quick Fixes for a Drafty House

Fixing these trouble spots doesn’t take much effort, time or money — and the payoff of a warm home can’t be beat.

Windows: Secure the sash locks along all the windows in your house to clamp them down as much as possible. You can also seal windows that won’t be opened until spring with temporary caulking.
Exterior doors: Install a door sweep along exterior doors to help keep cold air from entering your house.
Curtains: Put up extra thick curtains. Consider buying ones with thermal lining for extra insulation.
Weather stripping: Seal gaps between doors and side jambs with long pieces of weather stripping.
Chimney: Invest in a chimney balloon if you have an infrequently used fireplace. They’re inexpensive and will help keep cold air from entering your house and warm air from escaping—just make sure to remove them before you build a fire.
Interior rooms: Close the doors on unused or seldom-used rooms.
Floors: Throw a rug on bare floors, which can account for as much as 10 percent of heat loss in a house.
Cracks: Squirt some silicone-based filler between any cracks or gaps in your flooring.
Insulation: Insulate attics and lofts with inexpensive foam insulation. It can be a DIY job—just remember to wear a facemask, goggles and protective clothing.
Air conditioning: Place plastic covers over air conditioning ducts.
Vents: Check to make sure there are flaps over clothes dryer and bath fan vents. Without them, you have a large hole that is constantly letting cold air enter your home. When you’re looking over your dryer make sure check your dryer’s lint trap and vent pipe are clear (which is just one of our 9 tips to prevent dryer fires).
Exterior walls: Put up pictures or a mirror on exterior walls—doing so can help insulate walls from the outside air.

Owning a home has many rewards, but it also involves its share of demand. While you’re looking out for your place, we’re looking out for you. Learn more about homeowners insurance from ERIE or find a local agent in your area to ask questions and get a quote.

ERIE® insurance products and services are provided by one or more of the following insurers: Erie Insurance Exchange, Erie Insurance Company, Erie Insurance Property & Casualty Company, Flagship City Insurance Company and Erie Family Life Insurance Company (home offices: Erie, Pennsylvania) or Erie Insurance Company of New York (home office: Rochester, New York). The companies within the Erie Insurance Group are not licensed to operate in all states. Refer to the company licensure and states of operation information.

The insurance products and rates, if applicable, described in this blog are in effect as of July 2022 and may be changed at any time.

Insurance products are subject to terms, conditions and exclusions not described in this blog. The policy contains the specific details of the coverages, terms, conditions and exclusions.

The insurance products and services described in this blog are not offered in all states. ERIE life insurance and annuity products are not available in New York. ERIE Medicare supplement products are not available in the District of Columbia or New York. ERIE long term care products are not available in the District of Columbia and New York.

Eligibility will be determined at the time of application based upon applicable underwriting guidelines and rules in effect at that time.

Your ERIE agent can offer you practical guidance and answer questions you may have before you buy.