Keep the Warmth In and the Bills Out: Smart Weatherproofing Tips for September

Week 2: Weatherproofing and Energy Savings Before the Chill Hits

 

Remember when we were kids and Mom yelled “Close the door, we’re not paying to heat the neighborhood”? Well, Mom was right, and she’d be thrilled to know that September is the perfect time to button up the house before cooler temps sneak in. Whether you own or rent, a few smart moves this week will save you money, keep you cozy, and prevent that “why is my electric bill higher than my mortgage” moment later.

 

First, let’s hunt down the draft culprits. Windows and doors are the usual suspects, and weatherstripping is your secret weapon. Head to Home Depot or Lowe’s for affordable options like Frost King weatherseal kits. These usually cost between $5 and $15, depending on the style. If you prefer to shop locally, Connely’s Do It Best has excellent seasonal supplies, and Menards always has a big aisle of insulation goodies. A roll of foam tape or a door sweep in the $10 to $20 range can make all the difference in keeping warm air inside where it belongs.

 

Second, think curtains. Yes, they’re pretty, but they also work like a winter coat for your windows. Thermal curtains or insulating window film kits are inexpensive and easy to install. Lowe’s carries the Comfort Living line of thermal curtains for around $35 to $50 per panel, and Menards stocks insulation window film from 3M for about $12 to $20 per window. The bonus is that you can finally justify buying those lovely drapes you had your eye on by calling them an “energy investment.”

 

Next up, the furnace. Before you flip it on and hope for the best, take a few minutes to check the filter. A dirty filter makes your furnace work harder and drives up costs. Home Depot has Filtrete filters in every size imaginable, usually $15 to $25 each, and Do It Best Connely’s stocks plenty of options too. If you are not into DIY, this is the time to call in a trusted local contractor. In Fort Wayne, reputable companies like Masters Heating and Cooling or Brockman Heating and Air Conditioning both have excellent reviews and can handle seasonal tune-ups. A professional checkup will usually run $80 to $120, and it is worth every penny for peace of mind.

 

And let’s not forget the small stuff. Door snakes may sound like a Halloween prank, but they’re actually draft stoppers that keep the chill out. Menards carries decorative versions in the $10 to $15 range that look more like chic home accents than creepy critters. Plugging in these small gaps can add up to real comfort.

 

For the visual learners, YouTube has you covered. Check out How to Seal Windows and Doors for Fall by Fix This Build That. The video walks through sealing drafts step by step, and it is easy enough for even the most DIY-wary among us.

 

✅ Week 2 To-Do Checklist:

• Seal doors and windows with weatherstripping ($5 to $20)

• Add thermal curtains or install window film ($12 to $50)

• Replace furnace filters ($15 to $25)

• Schedule a furnace tune-up if needed ($80 to $120)

• Use door snakes or draft stoppers ($10 to $15)

 

You will save money, stay cozy, and avoid the cranky spouse who insists the thermostat must stay at 68.

 

Next week we will move outdoors with a focus on curb appeal and last-minute projects before the frost sets in. Think gutters, gardens, and giving your front porch that wow factor for fall. Stay tuned.