How to Stop Cold Air Leaks in Your House for the Winter | Make Your Home More Energy Efficient

In this video, I show you how to seal up your drafty house. If you have seen any of my remodels, you'll know that adding insulation and making my house energy efficient has been a top priority. Some of these tips might feel small and not worth your while, but trust me, every little bit of sealing your house up matters in the end and your wallet will thank you!
• How to Fix a Hole in D...
• How to Trim an Interio...
• How to Insulate Window...
• How to Remove Your Win...
• How to Install Double ...
• How to Replace Door Sw...
• How to Install A Storm...
• Video
• How to Install Fibergl...
Check out your state's local program to help find the energy inefficiencies in your home. For Massachusetts residents, contact Mass Save. www.masssave.com/
Join this channel to get access to behind the scenes videos:
/ @thefixerhomerepair
• Subscribe on KZbin: bit.ly/Subscri...
• Second Channel: / @thefixerhomerepair2
• Facebook: / thefixeronyoutube
• Instagram: / thefixeryoutube
• TikTok: / thefixeronyoutube
• Website: www.thefixerho...
• Patreon: / thefixer
• Amazon store: www.amazon.com...
*As an Amazon affiliate, I earn commission on qualifying purchases.
Window shrink kit- amzn.to/3OmDHDV
Door weather stripping- amzn.to/47Mrgbn
Door corner seals- amzn.to/48RoeUa
Door sweep- amzn.to/48OKRID
Socket sealers - amzn.to/3OQxRuB
Halo Lights- amzn.to/47sgiHz
Attic door cover- amzn.to/3tNZsoS
Window AC cover- amzn.to/3HhG0nu
Fireplace balloon and covers- amzn.to/3vxirVe
Silcone- amzn.to/4aUdSVm
Sill seal- amzn.to/3NYGQJR
Fiberglass insulation- amzn.to/4aUHNwi
Flir Camera- amzn.to/3O0QhIJ
(affiliate links)
DISCLAIMER:
This video and description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links and make a purchase, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support this channel and allows me to continue to make videos like this. Thank you for your support!
Videos produced by The Fixer are provided for informational purposes only. All material provided within this video is for informational, educational, & entertainment purposes only. Some of these projects, materials, and techniques may not be appropriate for all ages or skill levels. Please use all safety precautions while following any instructions or concepts provided by this video. Viewers must be aware that by doing projects on their homes they are doing it at their own risk and The Fixer cannot be held liable if they cause any damage to their homes. It is the sole responsibility of the viewer to educate themselves on their local codes and regulations before undertaking any sort of project. Always have safety in mind and have fun!

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

If you need any products in this video, check out the description above and don't forget to subscribe to my channel- bit.ly/SubscribeToTheFixer Thanks for watching! 😃

[@leabarto8156]

We used those slim foam pieces that are shaped like the outlet and light switches. They fit perfectly between the outlet/switch and the cover. It completely stopped the draft coming from the walls.

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Yes! Crazy what a little piece of foam will do!

[@poetsdreamsatc]

Thank you for this tip! I will certainly try this. I can feel cold air coming from outlets.

[@judithcatlett8518]

Another thing that helps around your windows is locking them. It’s amazing how much cold air comes through such a micro narrow space.

[@Heymrk]

You seem like the kind of guy who borrows tools from friends and promptly returns them with full batteries and tanks of gas.

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

You nailed it. 😂

[@Expressitc]

Great video. Quick tip I found on the outlet sealers....when you pop the holes out of the gasket before putting it on, you can save the holes and poke them into the cheap plastic baby proof outlet plugs and now you have a way to seal unused outlets themselves. When it's cold outside, you'll feel the air blowing through those. Just something I learned a few years ago.

[@InezBell-lx6tk]

As someone who's always concerned about high energy bills during the winter months, this video was a lifesaver. The practical advice on stopping cold air leaks was invaluable and I appreciated the cost-effective solutions presented.

[@Dasdutt]

I used those shrink wrap window covers in my room when I was a kid. They worked really well. I loved it.

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Yeah they are awesome!

[@cantgetright742]

Yes, the socket sealers. They have them for your switches too. Those things work. Cheap and totally worth it. I hang winter curtains over my doors.

[@MrKim-kv2vv]

“There’s only so much money you can put into a house before it starts to pay you back”. Excellent statement! A couple areas which I found not to be touched on are oven/stove exhaust fan flappers which stick open due to grease build up, or bath fan flappers that stick open… Thanks for an informative video. 🙋🏼

[@bkkcanuck]

Amazingly timed video for me as I fumble along in the attic sealing the 60 year old gaps.. thank you sir.

[@smarthome2660]

I use a Black & Decker thermal leak detector, cost is $50.00 and well worth it. It gives the air temp and the temp of what ever you are pointing to in digital readout + a color changing light. Red means hotter than the air temp, blue means colder than air temp & green means the surface is the same them as the air temp.

[@beglitchery]

another vote for those shrink wrap window films. I have old single pane wood windows and it was so cold by those windows. I used that film and it’s no different than my vinyl windows now

[@jodifinnegan4453]

Watching this in my old very chilly drafty house, still cold even with the wood stove cranking, and I already heard 4 problems that this house has! I'll be getting right to work on the easy fixes!!! Thank you for this video! 🎉

[@teslamr7333]

So many golden nuggets of information!

[@ronyerke9250]

Another way to use smoke to find drafts is to burn an insence stick or a cone on a saucer. Smokers can just carry around a lit cigarette or cigar, too.

[@chillones9574]

Thanks I been wondering what the Door corner seal was because i need one. YOU THE MAN

[@annakelley2990]

Thanks I didn't know either good info

[@ChangeFromScratch]

This is the most thorough and helpful DIY home insulation video I have ever seen. I’ve worked on this kind of problem in every place I’ve lived in over the last few decades and this covers everything I learned and gave me more things I haven’t thought of in all that time. There are no shameless plugs or brand babble. If I could send this video back in time to my younger self I sure as shyte would.

[@timothystevenhoward]

The outlets on exterior walls part. You would not believe how much cold air can pour thru the wall. I put in the foam faceplate seals and well worth it.

[@RemoteBuilder]

This has been so helpful for homeowners! Thank you Mr Fix it.

[@maxracer95]

I'm wondering if there's things I can do as a renter who doesn't own the home... We spend over 300/mo on gas and electric in a 900sqft place, which sounds ridiculous because it is. There has to be some huge hole but I'm thinking it's the uninsulated, cheap wood floor over an unfinished crawlspace because everywhere is cold. Any tips? Or is it just area rugs with pads underneath to block air?

[@smoofollowingqalroundthewo206]

You can put insulation into the crawlspace (eg stuff insulation under your floor joists). Add a reflectix-style sheet under your carpet. Try for as much wall-to-wall as possible. Add the plastic window coverings (that you blow-dry tight). kittle bits help.

[@tongyong007]

Like always. Very professional work Sir. 👍

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Thank you!

[@Hichamhasan]

Here in France we call those blue areas appeared on your thermal camera "Ponts thermiques" or thermal bridges in English. Recent building must apply the code "La Réglementation Thermique 2020 - RT2020" which obliges constructors to put special products to envelope the house or a building and to isolate it as best as possible. As you said, isolation will reduce one's energy bill, and will let him avoid other problems related to condensation, humidity, insect and rot. We -in France- use concrete as main construction material so isolation methods will be different than what on the US. Very interesting video, and well put solutions. Thanks for sharing.

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Very interesting. Thank you for sharing and for checking out the video!

[@storbokki371]

When using spray foam, don't use near an open flame such as a pilot light. The gas that comes out of the can with the foam is flammable.

[@gregs7918]

A large fillet of grout between the foundation and the sill board will stop air leaks and mice.

[@cameronvkl7905]

The 3M version of the shrink wrap window film is SO much better than the FrostKing brand.

[@armstronggeorge1533]

I used frost king pipe wrap on my heat pipes in the basement first time the heat came on the tape that suppose to hold them together failed useless stuff . I had to wrap them again in aluminium tape to get them tight again .

[@SledDog5678]

I don't use my front door and literally tacked a blanket over it. It still is an egress in case of emergency but the blanket cut the draft. The blanket matches the wood so it isn't noticable.

[@luckyduckie2000]

Here's another window tip. Make sure they are locked. It makes the seals so much more efficient when they are tight,

[@dianevaness4776]

Yes the corner seals are great they work . In upper Michigan we put them on our doors. We saw the small hole and it was drafty. Not anymore!💨

[@Pallidus_Rider]

The Fixer 👍

[@iamwhoiamd7056]

A great public announcement for everyone suffering from frigid cold right now.

[@jeanfrejuste6514]

Thank you so much for making this video. It was very comprehensive. I was able to insulate my house using some of these methods. Keep warm in New Engalnd!!!

[@Mertziie]

would love to see what you do to insulate the crawl portion of your home! my home is on a crawl and my floors are soooo cold.

[@Chris_at_Home]

I live in Alaska and it is recommended to insulate the rim joists with foam. My last house I cut 2” foam board pieces about 1/2” smaller than the gap and used closed cell spray foam to fill the gap. I did two layers. Get the great stuff spray nozzle and the cans that fit it. It is well worth it as it is less messy. The house I live in now I roughed in plumbing and electrical and had 7” closed cell put in the walls and rim joist under the floor. Also I put 4” of foam board on the outside full foundation to the footing. I grew up in New England and most of the old houses there are not very energy efficient. I have a friend back there that added insulation to his attic and then doing one room at a time took the drywall off the outside wall and added horizontal 2x3s 2’ apart and put 1 1/2” foam board then covered it back up with drywall. You can buy the foam scored to break at 2’ so you only have to trim one horizontal run. Also he use closed cell foam and sealed all the edges.

[@rizzydeeg4531]

As a fellow first-time old home buyer, the amount of projects can seem overwhelming. Where do you start?? How do you prioritize work? Obviously safety/structural first, but beyond that? It seems like you take a one room at a time approach? Is that the best way instead of doing small things here and there and all over?

[@Cdshakes]

Everything I read about insulating attics is to air seal them first. Not sure what you have against spray foam cans... But i keep hearing how you should seal every penetration. Whether it's elec boxes, wires..every hole sealed. They show how black batt insulation gets due to moving air.

[@Chris_at_Home]

I built our own place and sealed the vapor barrier on the ceiling. We have R-59 fiberglass in the ceiling and double stud walls with R-40 closed cell foam. We used about 120 million BTU to heat 3400 square feet(a duplex) in the winter. We just had a week where the high temperatures were below zero F and the lows were -25 to -31 F at night. We can get high winds as we are in the open and the house never creaks and we don’t feel drafts. I spent just under $20K on insulation.

[@bigmountain7561]

Hi, here in RAYS Country we only see that stuff on TV. I was born and raised in Philadelphia and Lived in Alaska!! So I know all about that white stuff!!! Lol!!!

[@INRIKingOfKings]

Our electric company offers a free whole house audit where they seal all the ducts and stuff and pressurize the house. I had them come out and my house was so drafty they got no reading on their instruments at all. The pressure was leaving at the same rate that they were blowing it in. Needless to say, I was so overwhelmed with the many leaks that I could not afford to make repairs.

[@acctestlasttest3398]

That my electric company out to my house. Did all the tests and the presser test. We had just single pain windows. Told us that the air leaks were very bad ,but no enough to be in the program 😢😖

[@user-ke2cy4kx8j]

@@acctestlasttest3398, In San Diego county. The electric company will not proceed unless you are considered low income. And family size.

[@lindaroyal8161]

Excellent video tips and suggestions. I really liked the other video also of making the attic access insulation cover, I promise, it's on my list. REQUEST - a video of making cold air returns more energy efficient. My ac/heat guy said mine is not finished, they are just holes with a metal grate to hold the filter. I didn't know about sealing these. My cold air return is in the ceiling and uses a 20" x 20" filter. And... the vents, where the heat/ac comes out of, should those be addressed also? Thank you.

[@janmariebrunette-hunyady1386]

Use your thermo imaging camera to also monitor the temps of bearings on fan motors i.e. furnace or fridge or even your car to anticipate failure or maintenance needed. By the time you hear the bearings, the damage has already been done. We use a paint marker to write the operating temp on the motor, not the temp when the motor is not running. Then we know if the bearing is starting to wear out. We live in a very old home, and we monitor the temps of wall sockets and even wires in the walls, in case a wire has too many amps flowing and a too big of circuit breaker was installed. The wiring was replaced before we owned the home, so we are unsure if they missed any knob and tube etc. Fire in a 100+yr home is always a concern. When we use our wood burning fireplaces, we check for hot spots in the masonry (outside) and the interior walls surrounding the fireplace and the wall that is behind the internally located fireplace. Might as well get your money's worth out of the camera. We also found places in the walls where the fiberglass insulation (blown) had sagged. We also found that where they cut holes to blow the insulation in through the sheathing, they failed to fill that hole with a cap, rigid foam, or wood but instead just reinstalled the cedar shingle. One 20 ft span of wall had 13 holes and three stud cavities above the windows that weren't filled. Basically, like leaving one window half open. We have the Vevor Thermal Imaging camera and are very happy with it.

[@danny302]

sometimes it's not about financial benefit, just cutting those drafts makes it worth it.

[@delmaquezada6733]

This one is really good for everyone. Thank you Mr Fix it.

[@T.E.P..]

Great idea for a video and you always do a SUPERB job! Hello from Minneapolis MN and -6 degrees below ZERO

[@robertunderwood3393]

Excellent and informative video. Thank you

[@JohnSmith-ef6rg]

My back can't handle carrying an AC from upstairs to the basement. I built a board and put the AC in it. I sealed it up and no cold air comes in. Room is still warm. Highly recommend it!

[@jaystevens3548]

I use those socket sealers. They work GREAT

[@cxcabrera]

Great tips! Love your content. 🤓

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Thanks! 😀

[@jayjudd6518]

Good advice.

[@user-op6xr1fx5g]

Great job!!

[@deltorres2100]

We just put 14 inches of low ceiling in the attic and believe me it helps

[@MomJagger15]

Thanks for all the information and advice

[@jsaysyay]

i remember when i was way younger my parents did that masssave thing, of course i don't remember it but i do remember before then my room would be freezing really easily, nowadays, like last night for example, it was 15 degrees out and i had my fan on lol

[@deborahhaynes8361]

This has been so helpful! Thank you!

[@natew2610]

Unless your old single pane windows have broken/missing panes or is missing the glazing, it's likely that a new vinyl replacement will never pay back its cost.

[@deltorres2100]

I have those foam insulation for the plugs I bought them years ago and I have used them. My house is 1929 so I try to do a lot of stuff I’m trying to fix it up a little by little so we’re working on it but I do have a lot of original windows.

[@rdknght17]

You should finish your basement. That would be cool to watch.

[@donnaaranda7175]

Thanks 👍

[@deannaoverstreet4146]

Thank you for your help!

[@MJYouAreNotAlone1]

Thank you🙏❤️

[@awildapproach]

Very helpful! Thank you so much for sharing.

[@annettearties8538]

Thanks, good advice.😊

[@vscarb04]

Thanks!

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Thank you!!

[@TrainFlood]

Man what a great video. Thanks you!

[@davidwostrel]

The intro to this video "if you live in Europe, go touch your concrete walls and feel better, this is Merica, we build with dead trees" HAHA

[@terrygoss7229]

Those roof icicles suggest you don't have enough insulation or venting

[@januzi2]

You might want to have some air come in, or you might get tired, very tired, and then You will fall asleep.

[@emalaret6]

Great job. Thank you.

[@sandratalbert9578]

Thanks good doable hints👍👍🙏

[@deltorres2100]

Yes, I have a chimney and I feel like cold air comes in from there even though I have a cap on the top and we have a wood covering but I need to figure out they did say they had some insulation I can stick there

[@LukesVlogs97]

this helped alot thank you!

[@David-zl6jr]

Gr8 info! Almost a ½ hour, Roo long😬😎

[@mikep.panucci5099]

You missed the maintenance closet where the "fresh air intake" and "sump pump" along with the furnace are located

[@fumthings]

and... dont forget to buy/fix that door stopper so you dont put a hole in your wall again.

[@gregmize01]

Yo, The Fixer beat-boxin' @28:17 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

😂

[@andyknappenberger7512]

I wanted to prove a point to my wife, now I have to replace my burnt bathroom door. Got a video for that?

[@la196]

What exact door sweep do you have on your door in this vid? I saw the link you put in the description but it doesn't link to one specific door sweep. A family member just bought a house and they need one for an aluminum storm door with that exact design as yours to fill a 1 1/2 inch gap but can only find the plastic adhesive type door sweeps. There's no brand name of the door which would make it easier:) Great videos!

[@timschlueter1861]

Instead of insulating floors in crawlspace areas, insulate the walls.

[@alanrobison3298]

Hello Mr. Fixer. Did you investigate the ad that I told you about? I hope that you got it taken care of.

[@JCM-mi5re]

You mentioned the chimney balloon… my house was built in 1957 and I now have a gas fireplace installed three years ago. Can Chimney balloons be used in a gas fireplace?

[@RAZORTUCKERSHORTS]

Are you gonna add more rooms in your basements

[@deltorres2100]

I am on PA and me. I’m trying to figure out how I can insulate more on the bottom. I don’t know if you have a video of that if you do please link it.

[@sjr7822]

TY

[@scottneal2738]

How long should a door sweep last? I had one house where those pieces would fail in months or less. Just curious since I bought a house now and my garage door sweep trim has already started to tear apart.

[@trinaroe5132]

Far more cost and energy efficient to refurbish original wood windows and add storms than replacing original wood windows.

[@nereida116]

Thank you! Brrrrr 🥶🥶🥶

[@christinabSF]

Just curious, what are 'storm' doors and windows for? Why have two front doors? is it a snow thing? I don't recall seeing those before in CA but maybe I'm just not paying attention😊😊 Very helpful info!

[@HeirOfNothingInParticular]

Here in the Midwest, pretty much all homes have them. In warm weather I sometimes leave the door open for the sunshine and fresh air but I have a locking screen door so still safe from someone just walking in without knocking. Most screen doors also have a moveable glass panel to cover the screen in colder weather, which helps reduce the drafts a bit. Locking screen doors are also good for seeing who’s knocking at the door without them being immediately in your face or or preventing you from closing the door in their face, if that’s what you chose to do that is. Storm windows do pretty much the same thing - allow you to have a screen in the summer for fresh air but also be able to cover that with a pane of glass in the winter. I have no idea why either of these things are described with the word “storm”… storms have little to nothing to do with their function.

[@JWB671]

Woof… thank god I moved to Hawaii

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Lucky! 😆

[@NailahRoberts]

Have you seen the paint that insulated walls and ceilings?

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Whaaaaa? 😮 I have not but that is very intriguing.

[@joannebutzerin6448]

Need help with my fireplace. I don't make fires very much, and a lot of wind comes in even with the damper shut. I have it covered with cardboard sheets. Oh well....maybe next time.

[@SledDog5678]

As a kid we didnt use our f.p. either. My parents stuffed plastic into the chimney about three feet then taped a garbage bag over the closed flue. Plus taped off the entire face (opening) of the f.p. in a black garbage bag that was undetectable behind the black chain curtain that covered the opening.

[@scottneal2738]

So my new home being in it for 6 months and the cold weather has shown some windows with moisture on the edging....that mean I need to mark and call to get them repaired due to the warranty time frame?

[@fumthings]

Matt doesnt like the cold... wears 3 layers and a hat indoors, also a full beard... checks out!

[@acctestlasttest3398]

😂

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

🤣👍

[@robingillespie4467]

Step one install a radon gas system, step two watch this video and follow all instructions. ❤ for you fixer!

[@Judahlove12]

Where did you get the bathroom heater from

[@hotbytesB]

How many years have you been doing KZbin?

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

7 years and 4 days... on this channel anyway. 😀. Thanks for stopping by!

[@madknacker]

Did you have asbestos plaster in your original walls? Unfortunately my house, built in 1941, has a skimcoat of plaster that contains asbestos. I would love to do a renovation like yours, but it may be too costly for professional remediation.

[@Heymrk]

Put on a hazmat suit, mask and googles and just do it. Asbestosis takes a lot of buildup. Doing one renovation won't hurt you. Double wrap your bags and don't say anything to anyone.

[@madknacker]

@@Heymrk 😉

[@ShinyYas]

I'm really interested in this info in this video, but the slight swaying of the camera is turning me off from watching. I don't know if you have a camera that tries to follow movement or your camera person isn't steady-handed, but it makes this very difficult to watch.

[@shadegarden7375]

👏🏻👏🏻

[@sangsang2702]

Can I get link for switch foam pls.

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Hey! Thought I had a link in the description. I added it. Thanks and here you go! amzn.to/3OQxRuB (affiliate link)

[@sangsang2702]

@@TheFixerHomeRepair awesome!! Thank you for your quick response.

[@mangos2888]

I wish this video had more visuals for what you're talming about

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Which part? I have lots of videos.

[@criticalmass181]

One of the biggest weak points i've ever seen is evaporative cooling vents. Over winter, the whole house just bleeds hot air straight out of the ceiling, into the unit, and out to the outside atmosphere.

[@JohnClarke808]

DO NOT REPLACE WOOD WINDOWS. Vinyl window life expectancy is only 5-10 year's then will need replaced. Window manufacturers are not going to make a one time window because then they'll go out of business. A wooden window with the proper weather stripping and storm window will perform just as good or at times better than a vinyl replacement. We restore wooden windows everyday in our window restoration business. Wooden windows have been in most homes for over 100 years and if maintained properly they will last another 100 years, longer then any vinyl window

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Please don’t yell at me. 🤣. I agree wood is better than vinyl but the weak point is not either of those. It is the glass. Are you saying a single pane of glass has better insulating properties than a double layer low e with argon in between? 🤔

[@JohnClarke808]

@@TheFixerHomeRepair I wasn't yelling. Of course two panes of glass is more efficient than a single pane. The reason argon gas is used is because the spacing between the two panes of glass are so close giving it less airspace. Where the wooden window can perform better then a vinyl window is the distance between the wooden window and the storm window giving it more airspace that heats up providing more R value and a thermal break from the outside air. It basically act as you stated when using using shrink rap. Also the wooden window frame has more R value then a vinyl window frame, touch a wooden window frame and then the vinyl. The vinyl will be colder then the wood. Putting the shrink wrap as you did over the creates a thermal break. At times we will add a low E film inside the windows during the restoration process

[@JohnClarke808]

​@@TheFixerHomeRepairwindow restoration is a good business to get not many people are doing it. An average window we charge 1,800 that includes removing the sashes, stripping all the paint, replacing the sash cord, reglazing, prime and paint, installing weather stripping, and replacing any rotting wood.

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

@@JohnClarke808 I know you weren’t really yelling. I was joking. All interesting stuff. I like the idea of the film and I understand wood insulates better I guess I just feel like it all depends on the windows, the climate and cost/ROI of a repair vs. a replacement window. That’s all. Not saying everyone should rip out all their windows. 😁👍

[@bg147]

Hmmm, I have 100 year old plaster walls, not a single inch of drywall, and zero insulation. Thankfully, my kitties sleep with me.