Best Items Endorsed by Professionals for Preventing Drafts
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Elizabeth Finkelstein, co-founder of Cheap Old Houses and author of "Cheap Old Houses: An Unconventional Guide to Loving and Restoring a Forgotten Home," offers practical advice for improving heat retention in older homes. Finkelstein's approach focuses on restoration that respects the character of the home while upgrading insulation and sealing air leaks.
To start, Finkelstein advises homeowners to ensure their dryer vent cover is functioning properly. Additionally, sealing the top and sides of the front door, as well as the bottom, can prevent drafts.
One suggestion for improving heat retention is to seal up those windows. This can be achieved through weatherstripping and caulking, or by installing storm windows or interior window inserts. For extra insulation, thermal curtains or insulated drapes can be employed to retain heat overnight.
Another area to focus on is the basement and foundation. Proper insulation here can reduce cold air infiltration, keeping the house warmer.
If you have a fireplace, covering it when not in use can help prevent heat loss. During cold weather, it's also recommended to cover AC units to keep the cold air out.
For a more dramatic improvement in heat retention, consider installing thick, insulated drapes. A weighted door stopper can also help prevent drafts from entering under the door.
Lastly, maintaining appropriate humidity levels in the house is essential for comfort.
For more detailed, tailored advice, listening to Finkelstein's segments on Save This Old House or reading her writings in historical preservation forums and Country Living Magazine may provide additional specific strategies. By following these tips, homeowners can enjoy a warmer, more comfortable home without sacrificing its historic charm.
Invest in home-improvement projects that focus on home-and-garden areas, such as insulating the basement and foundation to reduce cold air infiltration, keeping the house warmer. To improve heat retention in older homes, consider installing thick, insulated drapes, which can provide a more dramatic improvement.
