Step 1: Apply Adhesive Foam Weather Stripping Around Your Windows

Before starting, carefully inspect your house for gaps and holes that may allow the heating and cooling to escape, which may be allowing water and insects to enter.

Foam weather stripping is easy to install. Simply cut the stripping to length, press the sticky side down and peel off the plastic liner. The window should have a snug fit.

Step 2: Install Compression Weather Stripping Around Your Doors

This type of weather stripping can be installed by cutting metal strips to length with tin snips and tacking them in place with nails.

Step 3: Use Strips With Vinyl Inserts on Larger Gaps

If you have larger gaps, wooden or metal strips with vinyl inserts can be used. Just cut the strips to length and nail them to the frame flush with the doorjamb.

Step 4: Use Caulking to Seal Large Holes or Gaps

When plugging larger holes and cracks, it's best to use caulking. Inspect potential problem areas where different building materials meet and around vents, pipes or wire entrances. Insert the caulk tube into a caulking gun, snip off the end with a utility knife and puncture the membrane inside the tube with a sharp object.

Push the plunger snugly against the heel of the tube. Pull the trigger to release the caulk and pull the gun across the gap, pushing in where needed to help force caulk into the joint.