How to winterize a house to save energy

Winter heating bills can be painful enough without paying for warm air that’s escaping through drafty windows, worn weatherstripping, or an underinsulated attic. 

And keeping that heat inside could matter even more this year. The average U.S. household is projected to spend $1,030 on heating this winter, an 8.7% increase over last year. That increase is 2.5 times the rate of inflation. 

While you can’t do much about rising energy prices, you can make sure you’re getting more from the energy you’re paying for. Fall is a good time to tackle projects that can make your home more energy efficient before cold weather arrives. 

Some fixes cost no more than an afternoon and a quick trip to the hardware store. Others, such as replacing windows, adding insulation, or upgrading your heating system, require a bigger investment. You have options for tackling both, including potentially putting the equity in your home to work. 

Bigger projects to winterize your home and save energy 

If your home loses heat through old windows, insufficient insulation, or an inefficient heating system, addressing the underlying problem could help reduce energy costs and the monthly payments on your utility bills for winters to come. Some options for energy-efficient upgrades include: 

• Seal air leaks and add insulation. A contractor can seal leaks around the attic, foundation and other areas before adding insulation to recommended R-values, which measure how well insulation resists heat flow. The higher the R-value, the greater the insulating power — the right levels depend on where you live and where the insulation is installed. Homeowners can save an average of 15% on heating and cooling costs by air sealing their homes and adding insulation in attics, floors over crawl spaces, and basements. 

• Replace old windows. If you have older single-pane or drafty windows, replacing them with energy-efficient models can reduce heat transfer and make rooms more comfortable. Replacement costs start around $400 per window and can reach $1,600 or more for premium options, but can lower energy bills by an average of up to 13%. 

• Upgrade an aging HVAC system. If your furnace or boiler is more than 15 years old, or you’re facing frequent repairs and rising utility bills, it may be time to have the system evaluated. A professional can determine whether repair or replacement makes sense, and properly size new equipment for your home. Proper installation is important, since improper installation can reduce system efficiency by up to 30%. 

Not sure which upgrades will make the biggest difference in terms of energy efficiency and cost savings? Consider starting with a professional home energy assessment. An expert can evaluate your home’s insulation, air leaks and mechanical systems, and recommend improvements based on factors such as comfort, safety, and potential costs and benefits. 

Can you use a home equity line of credit for home improvements? 

Larger winterizing projects can come with equally large upfront costs. If you have sufficient equity in your home, a home equity line of credit (HELOC) can give you access to funds for renovations and energy-efficiency upgrades as you need them. 

Unlike a home equity loan, which typically provides the money as a lump sum, a HELOC is a revolving line of credit with a set credit limit. During the draw period, you can borrow from your available credit, repay it, and borrow again as needed. That flexibility can be helpful when you’re completing several home projects over time. 

HELOCs generally have a variable interest rate tied to an index such as the prime rate, so your rate and monthly payments can change. Your credit score, equity in your home, and other financial factors can affect your eligibility and loan terms. Be sure to consider potential closing costs, interest, and what payments could look like during the draw and repayment periods before borrowing. 

Use our home equity line of credit calculator to get an idea of the numbers behind a HELOC or talk to an Empeople mortgage expert to see what borrowing could look like for you. 

Smaller projects to winterize your home 

While major renovations may provide the biggest potential for energy savings, smaller fixes can still improve energy efficiency. These projects can address common sources of heat loss and help keep your heating system running properly. 

• Doors: Feel cold air coming in around an exterior door? Replace worn weatherstripping, install a door sweep and seal gaps around the frame. These relatively inexpensive fixes can reduce air leaks without replacing the entire door. 

• Windows: Window insulation film can provide another barrier against winter weather drafts, while caulk and weatherstripping can help seal gaps.  

• Outlets and switches: Exterior-wall outlets and switches can be small sources of air leakage. Foam gaskets installed behind their cover plates may help reduce drafts. 

• Smart thermostat: A programmable smart thermostat is another relatively affordable upgrade. Smart thermostats can reduce annual heating and cooling bills by more than 8% and save you $50 a year, on average, and many modern options can be controlled from your phone while you’re away (or don’t want to get up from under those blankets on the couch). 

• Water heater: Check whether your water heater and hot water pipes could benefit from insulation, and review the manufacturer’s temperature settings. The Environmental Protection Agency recommends setting your water heater to 120 degrees, for many households, to help save energy while reducing the risk of scalding. 

You may be able to cover these smaller projects with cash, rather than financing them. But if you use credit cards, compare their interest rates with your other options and consider how quickly you can repay the balance. 

How to winterize a house: maintenance checklist 

Some winterization jobs don’t require much more than elbow grease, but still offer some energy savings, prevent damage from the elements, and keep systems running properly through cold weather: 

• Disconnect garden hoses and shut off exterior water supply valves where appropriate. 

• Protect outdoor faucets and reduce the risk of water damage from frozen pipes with insulated foam covers. 

• Check your furnace filter monthly and replace it according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. 

• Clean gutters and downspouts to help water, particularly from melting snow, drain away from your home. 

• Seal small air leaks around windows and doors with appropriate caulk or weatherstripping. 

• Reverse ceiling fans to help circulate warm air. 

• Open window coverings during sunny winter days and close them at night. 

• Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries as needed. 

• Bring outdoor furniture inside or cover it to protect it from winter weather. 

Learning how to winterize a house doesn’t mean tackling every project at once. Commit to the inexpensive fixes and routine maintenance, then consider which larger improvements could make your home more comfortable and energy efficient for years to come. 

If a major project makes sense for your home, a home equity line of credit can help tap the equity you’ve built to pay for improvements over time. Consider the cost of borrowing alongside the project’s potential energy savings and choose the financing option that works for your budget.