5 Ways to Keep Heat In This Winter in Southeast Michigan
When the cold winds start sweeping across Southeast Michigan, keeping your home warm and energy-efficient becomes a top priority. Between the freezing temperatures, lake-effect snow, and unpredictable storms, it’s easy for heat — and money — to slip right out through your roof, walls, and windows. Fortunately, there are practical ways to seal in comfort and lower your heating costs.
Here are five proven ways to keep the heat in this winter, recommended by the home improvement experts at Level Up Improvement — your trusted local roofing, siding, and window professionals serving Southeast Michigan homeowners.
1. Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Windows
Old or poorly sealed windows are one of the biggest sources of heat loss in a home. Even small drafts or single-pane glass can let warm air escape and cold air rush in, forcing your furnace to work overtime.
Energy-efficient replacement windows are designed to stop that heat transfer. Modern products like Polar Seal windows, which we install across Southeast Michigan, feature insulated glass, multiple weather-stripping layers, and warm-edge spacers that keep heat where it belongs — inside.
If you’re not ready to fully replace your windows yet, here are a few quick tips:
- Add window insulation film to reduce drafts.
- Close and lock windows tightly; it helps seal the sashes better.
- Use thermal curtains at night to block out the cold.
Upgrading your windows is one of the smartest long-term investments for both comfort and energy savings in Michigan’s climate.
2. Insulate Your Attic and Roof
Your attic and roof play a massive role in how well your home retains heat. Since warm air rises, an under-insulated attic can let that heat escape directly through the roof.
Adding or upgrading attic insulation is one of the most cost-effective ways to improve energy efficiency. In Southeast Michigan, homes should have at least R-49 insulation in the attic — that’s about 16 to 18 inches of blown-in cellulose or fiberglass.
Also, make sure your roofing system is in good shape. Missing shingles, poor ventilation, or ice dam buildup can all lead to heat loss and moisture issues. If your roof is older or showing wear, consider upgrading to an energy-efficient shingle like CertainTeed Landmark Pro or Malarkey Vista, which perform well in Michigan winters.
Proper insulation and ventilation work together — keeping heat in while allowing moisture to escape — which prevents costly issues like mold or roof deck rot.
3. Seal Air Leaks and Drafts
Even small cracks around windows, doors, and outlets can add up to significant heat loss over time. Air sealing is a quick, affordable way to keep warm air inside and reduce your energy bills.
Start by checking for drafts in these common areas:
- Around window and door frames
- Where pipes and wires enter walls
- Along baseboards and attic hatches
- Near recessed lighting and electrical outlets
Use caulk, weather-stripping, or foam sealant to close up gaps. For doors, make sure the threshold and sweeps are in good condition.
You can also schedule a home energy audit or blower door test — many local utilities in Southeast Michigan, like DTE Energy and Consumers Energy, offer these programs at reduced cost or even for free. These tests identify exactly where your home is losing air so you can fix the right spots.
4. Replace or Maintain Your Doors and Siding
Just like windows, your entry doors and siding play a major role in keeping heat inside. Old, warped, or damaged doors often leak air around the edges, especially when wood expands and contracts through Michigan’s seasonal changes.
Consider replacing them with energy-rated steel or fiberglass doors that are insulated and weather-sealed. At Level Up Improvement, we often install upgraded door systems that include tight compression seals and insulated cores — designed specifically for Midwest winters.
Likewise, your siding acts as the home’s protective shell. If your siding is cracked or pulling away from the wall, it can allow drafts, pests, and moisture to enter. Insulated vinyl or fiber-cement siding can add another layer of thermal protection while improving your home’s curb appeal.
Southeast Michigan’s older homes — especially those built before the 1980s — benefit significantly from new siding and door replacements. These upgrades not only keep the heat in but can reduce your heating bills by up to 20% according to Energy Star data.
5. Upgrade Your Home Ventilation and Heating Efficiency
Keeping heat in doesn’t just mean sealing up your home — it also means your heating system should be operating efficiently. A poorly maintained furnace or blocked vent system can waste energy and reduce comfort.
Start with simple maintenance:
- Replace furnace filters every 1–2 months during the heating season.
- Make sure vents and returns aren’t blocked by furniture or curtains.
- Schedule a professional HVAC tune-up before the coldest months.
For homes with older HVAC systems, consider upgrading to a high-efficiency furnace (90%+ AFUE rating). Pair it with a smart thermostat to better control temperatures and prevent wasted energy when you’re away.
Finally, make sure your home’s ventilation system — including attic and soffit vents — is balanced. Proper ventilation helps regulate moisture and temperature, preventing ice dams and helping your insulation perform better.
Bonus Tip: Don’t Forget About Your Gutters and Roof Venting
While not always top of mind for “keeping heat in,” your gutters and roof vents actually play a supporting role. Clogged gutters can trap melting snow and form ice dams, which cause water to back up under shingles. This can lead to leaks and even heat loss through wet insulation.
Make sure your gutters are clean before winter hits, and that your roof has adequate intake and exhaust venting. Systems like Deck-Air intake vents can greatly improve airflow and extend the life of your roof — something we’ve installed on many homes around Brighton, Milford, and Garden City, MI.
Keep Warm, Stay Efficient, and Save This Winter
Winter in Southeast Michigan is no joke — but with the right upgrades, your home can handle the cold while keeping energy costs down. From energy-efficient windows and doors to proper insulation and ventilation, every improvement helps your home retain heat and feel more comfortable.
If you’re ready to make your home more energy-efficient before the snow flies, contact Level Up Improvement today. We proudly serve homeowners across Oakland, Livingston, Washtenaw, and Wayne Counties — providing expert installation of windows, doors, siding, and roofing designed for Michigan’s climate.
Call us or get a free instant quote online to see how much you can save this winter. Keeping the heat in starts with upgrading the right parts of your home — and Level Up Improvement is here to help you every step of the way.
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