Insulation is one of the best ways to keep your home warm in the winter without cranking up the heater. The good news? You don’t need to hire a pro for these insulation jobs. With a little effort, you can make your home more energy-efficient yourself, saving money in the process. Here’s how you can DIY your home’s insulation.

Insulation is one of the best ways to keep your home warm in the winter without cranking up the heater. The good news? You don’t need to hire a pro for these insulation jobs. With a little effort, you can make your home more energy-efficient yourself, saving money in the process. Here’s how you can DIY your home’s insulation.

1. Start with Your Windows and Doors

Windows and doors are some of the biggest culprits when it comes to heat loss. If you feel a draft coming through, that means your home is losing warmth. 

Here’s a quick fix:

  • Weather stripping: You can buy adhesive-backed foam weather stripping from any hardware store. Just peel and stick it along the edges of your windows and doors to create a tighter seal.
  • Draft stoppers: Roll up an old towel or buy a draft stopper for the bottoms of doors. This blocks cold air from sneaking in under the door.
  • Window film: In colder months, applying window insulation film is a great way to add an extra layer of insulation to your windows, particularly when you don’t have double-glazing. It’s easy to install and can make a big difference in keeping the warmth in.

2. Insulate Your Hot Water Cylinder

Did you know that a poorly insulated hot water cylinder can lose heat, making your power bills more expensive? Adding a hot water cylinder wrap is an easy DIY project that can help. You can find these wraps at most hardware stores, and they’re simple to install—just wrap the cylinder and secure it with tape. This extra insulation keeps the water warmer for longer, meaning your water heater doesn’t have to work as hard, saving you on additional electricity.

3. Seal Gaps and Cracks

Gaps and cracks around your home can let a lot of heat escape. Check around windows, doors, and even baseboards. A tube of caulk or sealant is an easy, inexpensive fix. Here’s what to do:

  • Inspect the areas where walls meet windows and doors for any visible gaps.
  • Use caulk or sealant to fill the cracks. 
  • Don’t forget to check outlets on external walls – insulation kits are available to block cold air from getting in through these tiny openings.

4. Install DIY Ceiling Insulation

If you’re feeling a bit more ambitious, adding insulation to your ceiling or attic can significantly lower your energy bills. Heat rises, and without proper ceiling insulation, it escapes through the roof. Here’s how to do it:

  • First, measure your ceiling space to determine how much insulation you’ll need. Most hardware stores offer DIY insulation packs that you can roll out yourself.
  • Use safety gear, such as gloves and a mask, to protect yourself from insulation fibers.
  • Roll out the insulation between the ceiling joists, making sure it fits snugly but without compressing it too much. Compressed insulation won’t trap heat as effectively.

5. Insulate Underfloor Spaces

If your home has a raised foundation, adding insulation underneath can make a noticeable difference, especially in colder months. You can DIY underfloor insulation by using polystyrene panels or foil-based insulation that you can staple into place between the floor joists. This will help reduce drafts and keep your home warmer from the ground up.

6. Add Curtains

One of the easiest ways to insulate your home is by installing lined curtains. These curtains are designed to block out drafts and keep your home’s temperature steady. In the winter, they keep the warmth inside, and in the summer, they block the heat from getting in. They’re a simple, stylish or funky way to save on your power bill without a lot of effort. Keen to check out your local curtain bank? Click here

7. Don't Forget the Garage

Garages are often overlooked when it comes to insulation, but if your garage is attached to your house, it could be a major source of heat loss. You can DIY insulate your garage door with foam panels or purchase a garage door insulation kit. This will help keep the temperature in your garage stable, reducing the amount of heat loss from your home.

DIY home insulation is an easy and cost-effective way to lower your power bill and heat your home. By sealing drafts, adding insulation to key areas, and making small adjustments like installing thermal curtains or door sweeps, you can make a big impact on your home’s energy efficiency. Plus, you don’t need to be a pro to get started—just a little effort can lead to a warmer, more comfortable home and noticeable savings on your power bill.

If you would like some help in the installation process for your roof, floor, and walls, our friends over at the Sustainability Trust will be happy to help. To find out more and to get a free insulation quote, click here.