Cold Air, Don’t Care (If You Prep Now)

Let’s be honest—Salt Lake summers have a way of tricking us into thinking we’ve got all the time in the world before fall shows up. But once those crisp mornings hit (hello, September), your cozy vibes can quickly turn into high heating bills if your home isn’t sealed tight.

Before you fire up the furnace or dig out your favorite knit socks, take an hour or two to hunt down those sneaky air leaks that are quietly sucking energy (and money) out of your home.

This week’s Hump Day Home Hack has your back—so your house stays warm and your wallet stays happy.

1. Do the Hand Test (Low-Tech but Effective)

On a chilly morning or breezy evening, run your hand around the edges of:

• Exterior doors

• Windows (especially older wood frames in areas like Yalecrest or The Avenues)

• Attic hatches or pull-down stairs

• Baseboards near exterior walls

🧰 Hack: Hold a lit incense stick or candle—if the smoke dances, you’ve found a leak.

2. Check Weatherstripping + Door Sweeps

Over time, weatherstripping cracks, peels, or compresses, especially in Salt Lake’s dry, high-altitude climate.

🧰 Fix-It Tip: Replace worn seals around doors or add a simple door sweep to block under-door drafts. Most hardware stores carry peel-and-stick options that take 10 minutes to install.

3. Look Up—Literally

Attics are one of the biggest culprits of heat loss, especially in older homes. Check for gaps around:

• Attic access panels

• Recessed lights

• Ductwork or vents

🔥 Pro Tip: Use expanding foam or weatherproof caulk to seal cracks. Just skip the foam party—go light and layer slowly.

4. Windows That Wiggle or Rattle?

Drafty windows are a thing, especially in homes that haven’t had recent updates. If full replacement isn’t in the cards this year, try:

• Removable caulk

• Clear plastic shrink wrap kits

• Insulated curtains (bonus: they look chic and block noise too)

  
  

5. Don’t Forget the Basement

In spots like Rose Park or Liberty Wells, older basements often have gaps where the foundation meets framing. These small leaks can lead to big heat loss.

🧰 Bonus Hack: Add foam gaskets behind outlet covers on exterior walls. They cost about $1 each and make a real difference.

Final Thoughts:

Sealing air leaks is one of the cheapest ways to boost comfort and lower your utility bill before winter. And once it’s done, you’ll feel the difference every time you walk inside from the cold.

You’ve got this. And if you need a rec for a good insulation pro or weatherproofing wizard—I know a guy. 😉

See you next Wednesday for more cozy-season prep!

Love you, mean it.– Annie