Older homes are part of what gives Madison its character—but when winter arrives, those same homes often struggle with drafts, uneven temperatures, and rising heating bills. If certain rooms feel cold no matter how high the thermostat is set, the issue is rarely the furnace. More often, it’s inadequate or aging insulation.
At Duerst Insulation, we help homeowners improve comfort and efficiency by addressing the hidden gaps that allow cold air in and warm air out.
Why Older Homes Feel Drafty in Winter
Homes built decades ago were constructed with very different energy standards. Over time, insulation can settle, deteriorate, or become ineffective altogether.
Common causes of winter drafts include:
- Thin or missing attic insulation
- Poorly insulated walls
- Air leaks around rim joists, outlets, and framing
- Unsealed attic hatches and crawl spaces
These gaps create constant airflow, making rooms feel cold even when the heating system is working properly.
How Insulation Stops Drafts at the Source
Insulation works by slowing heat transfer and blocking unwanted air movement.
When properly installed, insulation:
- Keeps warm air inside during winter
- Reduces cold air infiltration
- Creates more consistent temperatures throughout the home
- Allows heating systems to operate more efficiently
The result is a home that feels warmer without constantly adjusting the thermostat.
Attic Insulation: The Biggest Opportunity
In older homes, the attic is often the largest source of heat loss.
Warm air naturally rises, and without sufficient insulation, it escapes quickly through the attic. Upgrading attic insulation can:
- Eliminate cold ceilings and upstairs drafts
- Reduce ice dam formation
- Lower heating costs
- Improve overall comfort almost immediately
This is often the most impactful insulation improvement a homeowner can make.
Wall and Rim Joist Insulation Matter Too
Drafts aren’t limited to attics.
Uninsulated or under-insulated walls allow cold outdoor air to seep in, while rim joists—where the foundation meets the framing—are a major source of winter air leakage.
Targeted insulation in these areas:
- Stops cold air infiltration
- Reduces floor-level drafts
- Improves comfort in living spaces and basements
Older homes especially benefit from sealing and insulating these overlooked areas.
Energy Savings Without Major Renovations
One of the biggest misconceptions about insulation upgrades is that they require extensive remodeling.
In many cases:
- Insulation can be added without removing walls
- Improvements are completed quickly
- Disruption is minimal
- Energy savings begin immediately
Insulation upgrades are a practical way to improve comfort without changing the character of an older home.
A Smarter Way to Stay Warm This Winter
If your home feels drafty, uneven, or expensive to heat, insulation—not your furnace—is likely the issue. Proper insulation addresses the root cause of heat loss and makes winter living far more comfortable.
Duerst Insulation proudly serves Madison homeowners with insulation solutions designed specifically for older homes and Wisconsin winters. When drafts disappear, comfort takes their place.
