Weatherstrip Your Home to Save Energy
Published
on Sunday, March 2, 2025
in
Electric
One of the best ways to save energy is to weatherstrip your home’s exterior doors and windows. It keeps outside air out and inside air in, so your HVAC unit doesn’t have to work as hard.
Home energy efficiency improvements, such as weatherstripping, can also make you eligible for certain tax incentives and rebates from the state of Michigan. To find out which incentives you may qualify for, visit michigan.gov/egle.
When to Install
If you see gaps around doors, windows, or attic hatchways, you might want to consider weatherstripping.
Similarly, if you can feel a draft in these areas, or you notice a different temperature when standing near them, they could probably benefit from weatherstripping.
What You’ll Need
There are many different kinds of weatherstripping material. A trusted contractor can evaluate your home, determine the best one for your situation, and install it for you.
If you plan to install weatherstripping yourself, you will need to choose based on your budget and the size of the air leak or gap. The BobVila.com article "The Complete Guide to Weatherstripping the House" can help.
In addition to weatherstripping material, you will need:
- A nail kit
- A hammer
- Scissors
- A measuring tape
- Rags
- Safety goggles
Step 1: Preparation
Remove any existing weatherstripping with a hammer. Use the backside of the hammer to pry it away.
Next, wipe down the surface with a wet rag, and dry it with a dry one.
Finally, measure the door or window frame to determine the lengths of weatherstripping you’ll need.
Step 2: Installation
To fully seal your exterior door, apply weatherstripping around the top, bottom, and both sides of the frame. For windows, apply weatherstripping around the bottom and both sides.
Regardless of which type of weatherstripping you choose, consult the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure you install it correctly.