Year-End Home Comfort Review: What Worked—and What Didn’t

Before the holidays, take 30 minutes to review comfort and energy use at home. You’ll leave with one project and one habit to carry into 2026—no big spend required.

Map the Drafts (5 minutes)

On a breezy day, stand by exterior doors, baseboards, outlets on exterior walls, and around can lights. If you feel air movement or smell cold “musty” air, mark the spot with painter’s tape.

Ventilation Check (10 minutes)

• Bathrooms: Fans should hold a tissue to the grille; run 15–20 minutes after showers.
• Kitchen: Range hood should vent outside, with capture area over front burners.
• Attic/crawl: Look for obvious moisture signs (frost, damp insulation) and fix sources first.

Pick One Envelope Upgrade

• Rim-joist foam in basements cuts drafts fast.
• Attic slope or knee-wall foam helps upstairs temps.
• Garage/bonus room foam tames cold spots that spill into living areas.

Pick One Habit

• Fan timers in baths, clean filters on schedule, or door sweeps on the most-used entry.
• Keep a $15 hygrometer; aim for ~35–50% RH in winter.

Why Closed-Cell Foam Often Wins First

It combines air sealing + insulation in one step and keeps interior surfaces above the dew point, so walls/ceilings feel warmer with less run time.

FAQ

Is spray foam overkill for small drafts?
Not when applied targeted—rim joists and kneewalls are high-impact spots.

• Should I replace windows first?
  Often no. Air leaks at rim joists and penetrations can be bigger culprits than panes. Start where the payback is fastest.