There’s no doubt about it. Carpeting will make a room warmer and works as a great insulating material for your floors and home. However, many people prefer the look of hardwood floors and so it’s understandable that you may have wanted to make a change. Once carpet is removed, an uninsulated floor can account for 10-20% of heating loss from your house. It’s not surprising that you are now dealing with drafty areas in your front room but the good news is that there are things you can do about it.
Some homeowners opt for a quick fix, such as stuffing a towel or door sock under the door. A door sock is stuffed with insulating material to help further block out cold air. Some door socks are shaped like cute animals but you can also sew your own. The towel or door sock can be taped so that it stays rolled up even when the door opens or closes.
Another option is to use a door sweep or door threshold. A door sweep can be made of either rubberized blaze or a harder bristle material. A door threshold attaches directly underneath a closed door to block off the cold air coming in. Both install with screws and more permanent than stuffing material underneath a door.
Weatherstripping is another solution to block out the cool air entering your home. V-channel or tension seal weatherstripping works around the tops and sides of doors, but it can also make it a little difficult to open doors. Weatherstripping works very well with a door sweep to block out cold air from each entry point around your door.
As your home gets older, the caulk around your doors and windows may wear down. Each year, you should re-caulk any old spots to be sure you are keeping the cool air outside and warm air inside. Caulking is a simple and affordable DIY repair that will keep your energy bills low. Not sure which type of caulk to pick? Home Depot has a great guide for choosing sealants and caulk for your home.
All of these suggestions are simple, yet temporary solutions for your home heating concerns. It’s possible that you will want a home improvement expert to take a look at not only your front room, but your entire home to identify any trouble spots that may be causing you to lose heat. There are circumstances in which windows or doors can and should be replaced to maximize both comfort and safety.