DIY Weatherproofing Hacks for Bay Area Homes
Two DIY projects are circulating to help homeowners weatherproof their homes and cut energy costs. One guide details how to build your own removable interior storm windows using basic lumber. Another introduces "stormuring," a high-performance dry mortar for creating a durable, weatherproof seal around windows and doors to prevent leaks.
Sealing air leaks can significantly cut home energy use, which accounts for up to 40% of heating and cooling costs. While windows and doors are common culprits, some of the most substantial leaks are often hidden. Check for gaps around plumbing and wiring penetrations, attic hatches, recessed lighting, and the rim joists in your basement, which is where the foundation meets the wood framing. The DIY interior storm windows, made with basic lumber and heat-shrink film, offer a low-cost alternative to full window replacement. A similar project using plexiglass and pine cost about $120 per window, a fraction of professional installation costs. For comparison, professional window replacement in the Bay Area typically ranges from $500 to over $1,200 per window. Low-emissivity (or low-e) storm windows can provide energy savings comparable to full window replacement at about a third of the cost. These modern storm windows have a coating that reflects heat back into your home during the winter and can reduce overall home air leakage by 10% or more. This added layer of insulation also helps to reduce outside noise. Beyond windows, leaky ductwork can be a major source of energy loss, especially if it runs through unconditioned spaces like an attic or crawl space. Sealing these leaks can prevent the loss of heated or cooled air. Another significant area for heat loss is the attic itself. To pinpoint your home's specific areas of energy loss, consider a professional home energy audit. An auditor uses tools like a blower door test and thermal imaging to identify leaks and inadequate insulation. In the Bay Area, a comprehensive audit can cost between $300 and $600. PG&E also offers a free 5-minute online home energy checkup as a starting point. Bay Area residents have access to various rebates and financing options for energy-efficient upgrades. The BayREN Home+ program offers rebates for improvements like insulation, duct sealing, and high-efficiency water heaters for homes built in 2016 or earlier. Additionally, Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing allows homeowners to fund energy and water conservation improvements through an assessment on their property tax bill.
