Older exterior doors can be a big source of leaks and drafts. Modern steel and fiberglass doors often have insulated cores that can protect against cold better than older wood versions. These doors generally come with weather stripping to stop leaks and they sometimes have adjustable thresholds.

In addition to the style, look for an Energy Star rating on your new door. This rating system will verify the insulation level of both the door itself and any accompanying glass elements.

Increasing the insulation in the walls and attic is a great way sure to boost your home's energy retention. Depending on how much insulation is lacking and where it needs to go, you may be able to add protection yourself by just using common insulation materials. There are even new, recycled options for those who want to help the environment.

However, an older home may already be lacking in insulation. In this case, you might be wise to get professional help with projects like blowing loose insulation into larger spaces or making sure that the insulation is properly fitted around challenging plumbing or electrical connections within the walls. Improperly fitted insulation may end up not giving the protection that you need.

When it comes to adding energy efficiency, few people think of the siding on the house itself. However, the siding on your home forms a barrier, or an envelope, against the cold or heat outside. If your siding is damaged, warped, cracked, or aging, then you should at least consider replacing the damaged sections.

Different types of siding are suited to different types of climate situations, so you may need help finding the right one for you. In Wisconsin's harsh winters, insulated vinyl siding and fiber cement are popular choices for their protective qualities.

Wisconsin winters can be tough, and every time you open or close doors, you lose heat and drop the immediate temperature. One attractive and functional way to solve this problem is to install an airlock system around the most-used exterior doors. This way, you aren't directly opening up the house itself to the outside elements.

A three seasons room in an inexpensive option that allows you to add an enclosed, glass room around an entry door (front or backyard) so that it protects the interior space from losing much heat when you come and go. If you need more insulation or heating in the exterior room, you could opt for a more complex, four seasons room instead.

Updating windows to modern, energy efficient varieties is going to cost a little more than some other methods. However, replacing the windows adds value to the whole home. To start with, any windows that are single glazed should probably be upgraded to double glazed versions.

In addition, inspect windows for signs of leakage around the sills and frames. A professional can help you determine if you need to replace the entire window or just the worn parts, which could save you money.

By searching out your home's specific energy loss areas, you can make it all comfortable and have a higher value in as little as a weekend. For help determining which of these changes can help your particular home and fit within your budget, contact the experts at Neville's Inc.