Stop drafts with these 7 DIY projects
Use these printable resources and videos for professional tips on locating and improving common problem areas.
Get cash back on your DIY project
Nothing beats work done by an Efficiency Excellence Network contractor, but if you plan on doing small DIY projects this year, these will have the biggest impact. Get a rebate to help cover the cost of weatherizing windows and doors, adding storm windows, and sealing air leaks in your attic and basement when you complete 3 of the seven DIY projects on this page.
Air seal and insulate the box sill and rim joists in your basement
Impact on Comfort: High
To complete this project: Seal basement leaks (especially the sill plates and rim joists that sit on the foundation wall) to slow air flow. If you have fiberglass in the box sill or rim joist, pull it out, then air seal and re-insulate.
Learn how:
- Watch 4-minute below video for guidance (02:45: Air sealing smaller holes like sill or rim joist seams, penetrations for water, fuel, or electric lines - 03:06: Insulating band joists)
Build an air tight, well insulated bulkhead door in your basement
Impact on Comfort: High
To complete this project: Install weather stripping around the edges and insulate the door with at least 1.5 inches of rigid insulation. Alternatively, you can replace it with a well-insulated exterior door.
Learn how:
- Watch 4-minute below video for guidance (01:08: Air sealing a bulkhead door - 01:36: Insulating a bulkhead door).
How to insulate your basement
Watch this video for professional tips on air-sealing and insulating your basement. Locate common problem areas and learn how to seal them. In addition, explore the types of insulation that work best in a basement.
Build or purchase an air tight, well insulated attic hatch
Impact on Comfort: High
To complete this project: Insulate your attic access points to keep the heated air in the home’s living space. Weather-strip around the edges to create a tight seal, and attach at least 6 inches of rigid insulation to the hatch panel.
Learn how:
- Get attic hatch guidance and minimum standards (PDF)
- DIY information from ENERGY STAR
- Watch the video below
Spot air seal and insulate your attic
Impact on Comfort: Medium-high
To complete this project: Find air leaks in your attic and seal them. Seal air leaks with a professional quality spray foam gun. Once air leaks have been sealed (common ones include openings made for plumbing and electrical lines), add insulation. If you heat or cool your home with forced air, seal the ductwork and any uninsulated crawlspaces.
Learn how:
- Guidance and materials list
- DIY information from ENERGY STAR
- Watch the video below
How to insulate your attic
Learn where to find air leaks in your attic and how to seal them. The video also explores different types of insulation, and how best to use them to combat the stack effect.
Install a new window, Low-E storm window or panel
Impact on Comfort: Medium-low
To complete this project: Install your storm windows by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Before installing a storm window, caulk the tops and sides (jambs and head) of the original window to ensure it’s airtight (avoid sealing it shut with caulk).
Learn how:
- Read: How to choose and install storm windows
- Watch this short video for step by step guidance.
Weatherize windows
Impact on Comfort: Medium-high
To complete this project: Seal around window frames with caulk and weather-strip windows. Add caulking around window casings, fill in unused pulley cavities, and replace cracked panes and glazing compound (caution: do not caulk the window shut). Then add weather-stripping around the edges.
Learn how
- Materials list and practical tips for do-it-yourself sealing (PDF)
- Watch the video below for professional tips on how to seal problem areas such as windows (02:37: Air sealing windows).
Weatherize exterior doors
Impact on Comfort: Medium-low
To complete this project: Apply caulk around the frame, and apply weather strips to the door jambs. Check that you can open and close the door easily. Install a door sweep at the bottom to prevent strong drafts.
Learn how:
- Materials list and practical tips for do-it-yourself sealing (PDF)
- Watch the video below for professional tips on how to seal exterior doors (00:23: Air sealing doors - 00:54: Adding a door sweep - 01:17).
How to air-seal your home
Finding and sealing air leaks is an easy, low-cost way to make your home more comfortable and save on heating and cooling costs. Watch this video for professional tips on how to seal problem areas such as windows, outlets, and doors.
Get cash back on your DIY project
Efficiency Vermont offers rebates to help cover the cost of select DIY weatherization projects.