When our family decided to focus on making our home more energy-efficient, I started looking for small home improvements that would make an impact. I will share those here beginning with one that has made a big difference: installing weather stripping around our windows and doors. It was simple, affordable, and incredibly effective in cutting down our energy use. Here’s how we did it.

Why Weather Stripping Matters
I first noticed the problem during a chilly evening last fall. The heating was cranked up, but our living room still felt drafty. After a quick inspection, I noticed that cold air was seeping in through gaps around our windows and front door. These small leaks were letting out the warm air we were paying to generate, making our HVAC system work overtime.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, sealing air leaks can reduce heating and cooling costs by as much as 20%. With that discovery, I decided weather stripping would be our first DIY energy-saving project.

The Process
We started with a trip to our local hardware store (Rollier’s — they are the best!) to pick up supplies. There are several types of weather stripping available—foam tape, V-strip, and door sweeps, to name a few. After some research, I opted for adhesive foam weather stripping for the windows and a sturdy rubber door sweep for the front door. Both were inexpensive and easy to install.

Back at home, we got to work. Here’s how we did it:

1. Clean the Surfaces: Before applying the weather stripping, I cleaned the window frames and door edges with soapy water and let them dry completely. Dust and grime can prevent the adhesive from sticking properly.
2. Measure and Cut: I measured the length of each window and door edge. Then cut the foam strips and door sweep to size using scissors and a utility knife.
3. Apply the Weather Stripping: For the windows, I peeled off the backing and pressed the foam strips firmly into place along the edges of the frames. For the door, we attached the rubber sweep to the bottom using screws (it came pre-drilled with holes).

The Results
The difference was noticeable almost immediately. The drafts disappeared, and the house felt cozier even with the thermostat set a few degrees lower. We are already starting to see a reduction in our heating bill. Plus, our HVAC system wasn’t working as hard, which will likely extend its lifespan.

This project was not only easy and inexpensive but also showed me that making energy-efficient improvements doesn’t have to involve a contractor or a huge budget. If you’re looking for a quick win in your home, I wholeheartedly recommend giving weather stripping a try.

When we lived in Southern California, someone knocked on our door every other day trying to sell us solar panels. The industry has developed some strange incentives around the sale / lease of the panels, but that doesn’t diminish that solar power is an exciting renewable energy option. Is it right for your family?

We did the math to determine whether it was right for us and came up with a few things to consider:

1. Energy Needs: Calculate your household energy consumption to determine how much solar power you’ll need.

2. Roof Suitability: Assess your roof’s size, orientation, and shading. A south-facing roof with little shading is ideal.

3. Costs and Incentives: While the initial cost is significant, government tax credits and incentives can offset the expense.

4. Long-term Savings: Solar panels can reduce or eliminate your electricity bills, making them a worthwhile investment.

5. Maintenance: Solar panels are low-maintenance but require occasional cleaning and inspection.

Now that we are in PA, solar is less effective than it was in CA and so we haven’t made the leap to rooftop panels at the new address. But we continue to look for smaller opportunities, eg outdoor lighting. Every little bit counts.

Sustainable home design prioritizes environmental responsibility and energy efficiency. Here are five key elements:

1. Passive Solar Design: Orient your home to take advantage of natural light and heating from the sun.

2. Sustainable Materials: Use recycled, reclaimed, or rapidly renewable materials like bamboo and cork for construction.

3. Energy-efficient Systems: Incorporate renewable energy sources such as solar panels and geothermal systems.

4. Water Conservation: Install low-flow fixtures, rainwater harvesting systems, and drought-resistant landscaping.

5. Indoor Air Quality: Use non-toxic paints and materials to reduce pollutants and create a healthier environment. Sustainable design isn’t just better for the planet—it creates spaces that are healthier and more cost-effective in the long run.

Our family has lived at both ends of the spectrum in terms of climate — from the southwest where it was 72 and sunny everyday to the northeast where we just got our first snow. We do our best to blur the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces regardless.

Here are a few tips for creating a comfortable indoor/outdoor environment:

1. Open Up Your Space: Sliding or bi-fold glass doors can create seamless transitions between your indoor and outdoor areas. Even when it’s cold, the glass doors let the light in and help create flow throughout the house.

2. Add Comfortable Furniture: Choose weather-resistant furniture that’s cozy enough for indoor use but durable enough for outdoor living. Polywood and Harbour are a couple of our favorite brands. Hot tip – we also use an inexpensive indoor/outdoor rug like this in the dining room to make cleaning up after the kids a breeze. Almost 10 years in and it still looks great.

3. Use Natural Materials: Decorate with wood, stone, and greenery to tie both areas together naturally. Also, houseplants, houseplants, houseplants. They bring the outdoors in, purify the air, and add an organic feel to any indoor space.

4. Incorporate Lighting: String lights or outdoor lamps can add ambiance and make the space usable after dark. Our neighbors have large bulb lights strung throughout their front yard and it looks like a fairy wonderland, even on a chilly night. Your neighbors will thank you.

5. Include Shade and Shelter: Whether the sun is blazing or the weather is inclement, coverage is a must for enjoying your outdoor space. A pergola, awning, or umbrella can offers protection from the elements, allowing for all-weather enjoyment.

Hot and sunny or cool and cloudy, with thoughtful design choices, your indoor/outdoor living space can become the heart of your home. Hope these tips are helpful.