Published On: August 22nd, 2025Categories: Residential Insulation

Tennessee winters can be hard to predict. While southern parts of our state only see a few inches of snow each year, the Cumberland Plateau and East Tennessee mountains average over 10 inches. Here in Middle Tennessee, we face everything from warm days to surprise snowstorms.

Even when there’s no snow, overnight temps often dip below freezing. That’s why weatherizing your home now is one of the smartest moves you can make. A properly weatherized home doesn’t just help you stay warm. It cuts down on energy bills and can benefit your health and immune system by keeping indoor temps stable and air clean.

Let’s break down five simple ways to make your home more efficient and comfortable this winter.

Tennessee winter

Schedule a Furnace Tune-Up

Don’t wait until the first cold snap to realize your heat’s not working. An annual furnace tune-up keeps your system running safely and efficiently.

Preventive maintenance helps lower your energy bills and prevent costly breakdowns. It also extends the life of your furnace and ensures it’s not leaking carbon monoxide. Experts recommend scheduling your tune-up every fall so your family stays warm and safe all winter.

Seal Air Leaks

Did you know most homes lose warm air through tiny gaps around windows, doors, and attics? Air sealing is one of the most cost-effective ways to stop heat loss and keep your valuable heated air inside your home. Start by checking these key spots:

  • Windows & doors: Use caulk or weather-stripping.
  • Outlets & ducts: Add foam gaskets and seal with mastic or foil tape.
  • Basements and crawlspaces:Seal foundation cracks and rim joist areas.
  • Pipes and wires: Seal all penetrations with foam or sealant.

Comprehensive air sealing combined with insulation can save you an average of 15% on your heating/cooling costs.

Upgrade Your Insulation

Once your home is sealed, it’s time to upgrade your insulation, especially in the attic. Think of insulation like a thermal blanket for your home. It slows down heat transfer, so your HVAC system doesn’t have to work as hard. It’s one of the top ways to reduce your heating bills while making your home more comfortable.

According to Tennessee’s current residential energy code, your attic should be insulated to a minimum of R-30 if you live in climate zone 3 and R-38 for residents in climate zone 4. (Most of our state falls under climate zone 4.) This provides your home with the greatest efficiency. Also consider insulating your crawlspace or basement for warmer floors above.

Add a Smart Thermostat

Traditional programmable thermostats can save you up to $180 a year on heating and cooling, but only if you use them correctly. That’s where smart thermostats come in.

Brands like Google Nest, Ecobee, and Honeywell Lyric automatically learn your schedule and adjust temps when you’re away. You can control them from your phone, track your energy use, and let your utility company help manage demand during peak times.

A smart thermostat will only save you money if you let it properly manage your home schedule, so give it the controls, and then enjoy the savings.

Reverse Your Ceiling Fans

This one’s easy to miss, but it makes a big difference. In winter, switch your fan blades to clockwise at low speed. This pushes the warm air down from the ceiling and redistributes it throughout the room.

Keep the speed low to avoid creating a cool breeze. Remember that fans heat and cool people, not rooms. So be sure to turn them off when you leave.

Weatherization Helps Your Health, Too

Having a properly sealed and insulated home doesn’t just save energy, it can help keep you healthy too. It improves your indoor air quality and helps you stay comfy during the winter. Staying warm and avoiding drafts helps support your immune system, especially for children younger than five, seniors, or anyone with asthma or COPD.

During cold season, remember to wash your hands, drink plenty of fluids, and stay on top of symptoms with decongestants, antihistamines, and pain relievers. If you’re battling dry air or sinus issues, try cool mist humidifiers, a saltwater gargle, or sipping warm water or chicken soup.

Hayes Nashville - Tiny Havens - Spray Foam

Beat Cold Temps with Hayes Insulation

Following these five tips before winter is in full swing is a smart way to ensure you and your family stay comfy all season long. Our team at Hayes Insulation is here to help you beat the cold temps this year. We specialize in spray foam insulation, fiberglass, and air sealing for new and existing homes across Nashville and Middle Tennessee. Homeowners and builders count on our top-quality air sealing and insulation solutions.

Ready for a cozier, healthier, and more efficient home this winter? Contact us today for a free estimate.

References

Doctor on Demand. (n.d.). 5 things to do in the first 24 hours of a cold or flu. Doctor on Demand Blog. https://doctorondemand.com/blog/cold-and-flu/5-things-to-do-in-the-first-24-hours-of-a-cold-or-flu/

East Tennessee State University. (n.d.). Tennessee climatology. Department of Geosciences. https://www.etsu.edu/cas/geosciences/tn-climate/tn-climatology.php

Gundersen Health System. (n.d.). 5 ways to kick the common cold. Health & Wellness. https://www.gundersenhealth.org/health-wellness/staying-healthy/5-ways-to-kick-the-common-cold

Harvard Health Publishing. (2024, August 7). Want to cool down? 14 ideas to try. Harvard Health Blog. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/want-to-cool-down-14-ideas-to-try-202408073065

Johns Hopkins Medicine. (n.d.). The dos and don’ts of easing cold symptoms. Health, Wellness and Prevention. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-dos-and-donts-of-easing-cold-symptoms.

Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Cold remedies: What works, what doesn’t, what can’t hurt. Diseases and Conditions. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/common-cold/in-depth/cold-remedies/art-20046403

Nashville Office of Emergency Management. (n.d.). Prepare now: Winter weather and extreme cold. Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County. https://www.nashville.gov/departments/emergency-management/news/prepare-now-winter-weather-and-extreme-cold

Tennessee Department of Health. (n.d.). Attic. Healthy Homes Program. https://www.tn.gov/health/cedep/environmental/healthy-homes/hh/attic.html

Tennessee Department of Health. (n.d.). Weatherization. Healthy Homes Program. https://www.tn.gov/health/cedep/environmental/healthy-homes/hh/weatherization.html

Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association. (2014, August 1). Energy savings can be hard. Make it easy. TNElectric.org. https://tnelectric.org/2014/08/01/energy-savings-can-be-hard-make-it-easy/

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (n.d.). Ceiling fans: Installation and usage tips. ENERGY STAR. https://www.energystar.gov/products/ceiling_fans/installation-and-usage-tips

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (n.d.). Insulation R-values. ENERGY STAR. https://www.energystar.gov/saveathome/seal_insulate/identify-problems-you-want-fix/diy-checks-inspections/insulation-r-values

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (n.d.). Maintenance Checklist. ENERGY STAR. https://www.energystar.gov/saveathome/heating-cooling/maintenance-checklist#:~:text=Maintain%20your%20equipment,spring%20and%20fall.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (n.d.). Seal and insulate with ENERGY STAR: Methodology for estimated energy savings. ENERGY STAR. https://www.energystar.gov/saveathome/seal_insulate/methodology