When those cold Wisconsin winters arrive, we all try to avoid turning up our thermostats for as long as possible. It doesn’t have to be a love/hate relationship with the thermostat, though. With the right winterizing home improvements, you can ensure that the temperature of your home will stay comfortable all winter long without the high energy bills.

Did you know that it’s possible to cut your heating bills in half by simply upgrading your home’s insulation and sealing any air leaks? There is a common misconception that the heating system is to blame for chilly rooms and the high energy bills. What if we told you that your heating system isn’t to blame, and the main culprit is actually from air leaks and insufficient insulation? When there are holes, cracks, or other openings in your home, this allows all of the warm air to leak right out and the cold air to seep in. This process forces your heating system to work overtime, and your insulation will fail to be useful.

Common places that need air-sealing:

• Around pipes and wires
• Around chimney passes
• Duct chases
• Between framing and drywall at the top of walls
• Can lights
• Pull down stairs and scuttle holes
• Rim joists and sill plates
• Sump pump holes
• Basement windows
• Windows and doors
• Under sinks- plumbing penetrations
• Bath fans
• Whole house fans
• And many, many other places!

To winterize your home, we recommend first sealing any air leaks and making this your top priority. After sealing any air leaks, we then suggest going in and insulating. The problem with insulating before air-sealing is that it will be far more challenging to go back and try to find the sources of air leakage and then trying to seal them. Insulating without air-sealing is malpractice. One of our Dr. Energy Saver experts will be able to locate any critical areas of energy loss with a home energy audit.

After sealing all of the air leaks, it’s time for insulation. We all know that heat rises; therefore, a poorly insulated attic will allow heat to escape out of your attic all too easily. Upgrading your insulation is an excellent idea if you want to keep your energy bill low and your home at a consistent temperature. We offer a variety of different types of insulation for the crawl space, basement, walls, and more. 

Contact us today to find out which insulation technique is best for your home. We provide free estimates on air-sealing, insulation, ductwork solutions, and all other services.