BEDFORD – As winter approaches and energy costs climb, homeowners are looking for ways to avoid massive heating bills. According to roofing and insulation experts, the biggest culprit of wasted energy isn’t the thermostat—it’s the roof and attic, which let heated air escape literally.
Roofing expert Jeff Berzolla, CEO of Instant Roofer, an AI-powered roofing platform, is sharing six simple, DIY-friendly hacks that could help homeowners save hundreds of dollars on winter heating costs by improving insulation and heat retention.
The Attic: The “Chimney for Your Wallet”
“Most people focus on turning down their thermostat or switching energy providers, but they’re missing the biggest culprit,” says Berzolla. “Your roof and attic are like a chimney for your wallet: heat rises, and if there are gaps or poor insulation up there, you’re literally heating the neighborhood instead of your home.”
Berzolla explains that fixing small roof and attic issues can save homeowners up to 30% on their annual heating bills. For an average household spending $2,000 annually on heating, this translates to savings of $400–$600.
Six Roof and Attic Hacks To Cut Your Heating Bills
These simple improvements target thermal bridging and air leakage, stopping heated air from forcing the heating system to work overtime.
1. Upgrade Your Loft Insulation
The number one heat thief is inadequate attic insulation. Because heat rises, upgrading loft insulation can reduce heat loss by up to 25%.
- Recommendation: Install at least 10–12 inches of fiberglass or cellulose insulation. Older homes often have only 3–4 inches, which is insufficient.
- Cost vs. Savings: A $1,200–$2,000 investment in blown-in insulation can save $300–$600 annually, with the cost typically recouped within 3–4 years.
2. Seal Gaps With Expanding Foam
Small gaps around skylights, attic hatches, and roof penetrations are major energy drains.
- Focus Areas: Use expanding foam sealant (costing under $10 per can) to close gaps around chimneys, vent pipes, and electrical wiring where they pass through the attic floor. These spots create direct pathways for warm air to escape.
3. Install Reflective Foil Behind Radiators
This hack, costing less than $50, can improve heating efficiency by 10–15%.
- How it Works: Reflective foil bounces heat back into the room rather than letting about 30% of the radiator’s heat warm the wall behind it, directing it back into the living space.
4. Use Chimney Balloons To Stop Heat Escape
An open chimney acts like an open window, allowing heated air to escape directly, even when the fireplace is not in use.
- Solution: Chimney balloons cost around $30, fit snugly in the flue, and can save 10–15% on heating costs, particularly in homes where the fireplace damper doesn’t seal properly.
5. Fix Small Roof Leaks Before They Create Drafts
Small roof leaks create air gaps that allow heated air to escape and cold air to enter, costing hundreds of dollars in wasted heating over a winter.
- Inspection: Homeowners should check their attic during daylight hours for any pinpricks of light coming through the roof.
- Temporary Fix: Most minor leaks can be temporarily sealed with roofing cement until professional repairs are secured.
6. Draught-Proof Your Loft Door
The attic access door is often the most significant air leak in the ceiling.
- Solution: Adding weatherstripping around the hatch (under $20) can eliminate a major source of heat loss. Homeowners should also consider adding insulation to the back of the access door.
Spotting Hidden Heat Loss Sources
Berzolla offers three expert tips for identifying other hidden heat loss problems:
- Check for Ice Dams: Icicles forming along the roof edge indicate that heat is escaping through the roof, melting snow, which then refreezes. This is a sign of poor air sealing or insulation.
- Feel for Temperature Differences: On cold days, check for drafts around ceiling light fixtures, especially recessed lights, as these often create direct pathways to the attic.
- Look for Uneven Snow Melting: After a snowfall, sections of the roof where snow melts faster—known as ‘hot spots’—indicate areas where insulation is insufficient and heat is escaping.
“The key is starting with the biggest impact items like insulation and air sealing, then moving to the smaller fixes. Even implementing just three of these hacks can cut your heating bills significantly this winter,” Berzolla concluded.
