Weatherization tips & tricks

As our local Chicago critters are preparing for the changing of the seasons, let’s consider how we humans can prepare ourselves for the cold weather season as well! This winter let’s make our homes warmer, reduce our energy costs, and live more sustainably by taking steps to weatherize our homes!

By taking some simple actions, we can greatly lower our energy consumption! Below we have some tips and tricks from our Chicago Conservation Corps team. You can find the full comprehensive guide to weatherization here.

If you aren’t able to install new insulation in your walls and floors, focus on sealing your windows and doors with materials and tools that can be purchased at your local hardware or home improvement store.

What you’ll need to seal your doors:  

• Rubber weatherstrips to place between the door frame and the door stop
• Caulk to patch any cracks or fill spaces between door frame and wall
• Foam rods for the bottom of the door or the threshold and along where the frame meets the wall
• V-shaped weatherstrips for anywhere where the door and the frame connect and bottom of the door

What you’ll need to seal your windows:  

• Caulk to patch any cracks or fill spaces between door frame and wall
• Foam rods for placing between the frame and wall and to fill empty spaces around hardware
• Clear poly tape for fixing cracks in the glass
• V-shaped weatherstrips for the bottom of the window and along sash edge
• Window kit (not pictured)

Simple weatherization tricks can save consumers upwards of $200 a year on your energy bill while decreasing energy consumption and CO₂ emissions!

Resources for further exploration:

• Interested in learning more about your gas and electric consumption? Our partners at Citizens Utility Board are here for you! Click here to learn more.
• Have ComEd conduct an energy assessment in your home! Identify ways to save more and use less energy! Click here to learn more.
• The Illinois Home Weatherization Assistance Program (IHWAP) helps low income residents weatherize their homes. Click here to learn more.

If you’re interested in learning more about sustainability issues in Chicago or leading your community in sustainability initiatives join the Chicago Conservation Corps newsletter for up to date information on our upcoming Sustainability Leadership Trainings and opportunities to get involved in Chicago!