Winters in central Indiana can be long, cold, and unpredictable. Between freezing rain, heavy snow, and subzero nights, your home’s ability to hold heat is more important than ever. But keeping your home comfortable during winter isn’t just about turning up the thermostat — it’s about how efficiently your roof, siding, insulation, and windows work together to keep the cold out and the warmth in.
At Kavlan Contracting, we help homeowners across Lebanon, Zionsville, Whitestown, and nearby Indiana communities prepare for the challenges of winter with exterior improvements that make a real difference. If you want to stay warm and lower your energy bills this season, here’s what you should know about creating a more energy-efficient home.
Your roof is one of the most important factors in your home’s winter energy performance. Heat naturally rises, and without proper insulation and ventilation in your attic, much of that warmth can escape right through the top of your home. When that happens, your furnace has to work harder, your energy bills go up, and you may even end up with roof damage caused by uneven melting and refreezing.
Poor attic insulation also contributes to ice dams — thick ridges of ice that form when heat leaks through your roof and melts snow unevenly. As the water refreezes near the roof’s edge, it can force moisture up under shingles, leading to leaks and water damage inside your home.
A roof that’s properly insulated and ventilated helps prevent these issues, keeping heat inside where it belongs and ensuring your attic temperature stays consistent. If you notice uneven snow melt or temperature differences between rooms, it’s a sign your attic or roof may need attention.
For more detailed information, Energy.gov recommends checking your attic insulation levels each year — especially in climates like Indiana’s where winter temperatures fluctuate dramatically.
Your siding does more than just give your home a finished look — it acts as a thermal barrier. Over time, siding can crack, warp, or pull away from the walls, allowing cold air to seep in through the gaps. These leaks may seem small, but they can have a big impact on your home’s energy efficiency and comfort.
Upgrading to modern, insulated siding helps seal your home against drafts while improving your overall energy performance. It adds a layer of thermal resistance that keeps warm air inside and the chill outside, even during the coldest Indiana nights.
If you stand near exterior walls on a windy day and feel cold spots or drafts, your siding may not be doing its job anymore. Replacing damaged or outdated panels before winter hits can make your home feel noticeably warmer — and keep your heating system from running overtime.
Even if your roof and siding are in good shape, old or poorly sealed windows and doors can quietly drain heat from your home. In older houses across central Indiana, single-pane windows or worn-out weatherstripping are often the biggest culprits behind high energy bills in winter.
Replacing older windows with Energy Star-certified options can reduce household energy costs by an average of 12%, according to Energy Star. These modern windows are designed to insulate better, minimize drafts, and reduce heat transfer — all while allowing natural light to brighten your home during shorter winter days.
If full replacement isn’t in the budget this year, small upgrades can still make a difference. Add weatherstripping around door frames, apply clear caulk to window edges, and close curtains or blinds at night to trap warm air inside. Heavy, insulated drapes can add an extra layer of protection and help stabilize indoor temperatures.
When most homeowners think about energy efficiency, gutters probably don’t come to mind — but they should. Clogged or damaged gutters can cause meltwater to back up and refreeze along your roofline, creating ice dams that lead to leaks and insulation damage.
Before winter arrives, clean out your gutters and check that water flows freely through the downspouts. This simple step helps prevent moisture from collecting near your roof and keeps your attic insulation dry and effective.
Proper ventilation is just as important. When your roof and attic breathe correctly, they maintain a consistent temperature that prevents both condensation and ice formation. Without that balance, trapped warm air can cause moisture buildup, leading to mold, mildew, and reduced insulation efficiency.
At Kavlan Contracting, our team provides thorough inspections to ensure your roof, gutters, and vents are all working together to protect your home during winter. A little preparation now can save you from costly repairs later.
Even if your home’s exterior is ready for winter, there are still a few easy ways to make the inside more energy-efficient. Programmable thermostats, for instance, automatically adjust your home’s temperature based on your schedule — saving energy while keeping you comfortable. You can set it to lower the heat slightly while you’re away or asleep, then warm up again when you need it.
Also, don’t forget about airflow. Make sure furniture and curtains aren’t blocking heating vents, and close off unused rooms to direct heat where it’s needed most. Adding rugs to hardwood floors and using draft stoppers at doors can also help reduce heat loss.
If you want to take it a step further, consider having an energy audit performed. Many Indiana utility companies offer free or low-cost audits that identify exactly where your home is losing energy. This can help you prioritize improvements that make the biggest impact.
Improving energy efficiency isn’t just about comfort — it’s about long-term savings and home protection. When your roof, siding, windows, and insulation all perform properly, your home stays warmer with less effort from your furnace. That means lower monthly heating bills, fewer maintenance issues, and a home that lasts longer overall.
In areas like Lebanon, Zionsville, and Whitestown, where temperatures can swing from mild autumns to severe winter freezes, investing in energy-efficient upgrades also protects your home from moisture-related damage. Cold drafts, condensation, and ice buildup can take a toll on your home’s structure over time. By addressing these issues now, you can enjoy a more comfortable home — and peace of mind when the next winter storm hits.
Keeping your home warm through winter starts with preparation — and the right team to help. At Kavlan Contracting, we specialize in roofing, siding, gutters, and exterior improvements that help homeowners across central Indiana stay comfortable and energy-efficient year-round.
Whether you’re dealing with an older roof that’s letting heat escape, drafty windows that need upgrading, or siding that’s seen better days, we can help you find practical, lasting solutions that fit your home and budget. Our approach is straightforward, honest, and focused on doing what’s best for your home — not unnecessary upsells or high-pressure tactics.
Winter may be on its way, but there’s still time to prepare. Contact Kavlan Contracting today to schedule a seasonal inspection or consultation. We’ll help make sure your home is ready to handle Indiana’s coldest months — efficiently, comfortably, and confidently.