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Areas of the home that typically need insulation are the attic and exterior walls.Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images
Check for insulation in your home. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, only 20 percent of homes built before 1980 are insulated well. The ability of insulation to resist heat flow is known as its R-value (the higher the R-value, the more effective the insulation). The U.S. Department of Energy recommends values of R-30 to R-60 for residential insulation. Check areas of the home that typically need insulation, such as the attic and exterior walls. If the insulation is insufficient or nonexistent, hire a contractor to install insulation or do it yourself. - 2
Dirty spots may indicate air leaks.NA/AbleStock.com/Getty Images
Examine the existing insulation. If your house is insulated, examine the insulation for dirty spots. Dirty spots in insulation may indicate air leaks. Leaks can be repaired with low-expansion spray foam purchased from a home improvement store. - 3
Use an incense stick to check for drafts.Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images
Conduct an air test. On a windy day, hold up an incense stick (or something else that produces nontoxic smoke) near areas where drafts may occur, such as electrical outlets, doors, windows, attic hatches, and plumbing and ceiling fixtures. If you see the smoke from the incense stick traveling horizontally away from a door, for example, outside air is likely leaking in around the door. - 4
Caulk windows to fix air leaks.Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images
Caulk or add weather stripping to areas where air leaks are occurring. Caulk and weather stripping may be added around doors, windows, plumbing fixtures and ducts. - 5
Place foam gaskets behind electrical outlets to stop drafts.Brand X Pictures/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images
Place foam gaskets behind wall outlets and electrical switches. Remove the outlets and switch plates from the wall using a screwdriver, place the foam underneath the plates, and reinstall the plates. Foam gaskets can be purchased at home improvement stores. - 6
Old windows can be a major cause of air leaks.Hemera Technologies/AbleStock.com/Getty Images
Replace the home's windows. Older, single-pane windows can be less energy-efficient than double-pane windows. Replacing the windows in a home can be expensive. It may take a long time to recoup the cost of replacement windows, but the benefits of a more comfortable home can be felt right away. - 7
Check the fireplace flue for damage, and close it when not in use.Goodshoot/Goodshoot/Getty Images
Keep entrances to the house closed when not in use. This includes closing not only doors and windows but also flue dampers and kitchen exhaust fan covers. Check fireplace flues to make sure they have not become damaged or worn over years of use. - 8
Fix exterior doors that are improperly hung.Brand X Pictures/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images
Hang the doors properly. According to the California Energy Commission, 11 percent of air leaks occur around a home's doors. If an exterior door is hung improperly or if there is a gap between the door and its jam, air can escape or enter the home at that location.
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