(NC) -- Are you having trouble keeping the chill out of your home this winter? You're not alone. According to Natural Resources Canada, air leakage represents 25 to 40 percent of the heat loss from older homes and is a contributor to escalating heating bills. This means that outside air – including dust and allergens – can infiltrate your home and conditioned air on the inside can leak out, resulting in an uncomfortable and unhealthy home this holiday season.

By following easy steps to seal your home, you can put a little extra spending money in your pocket this holiday season while increasing the overall comfort, performance and energy efficiency of your home for family gatherings. All you need to get started is:

• One sealant: An inexpensive product can do the trick. Opt for a versatile sealant, such as Great Stuff Insulating Foam Sealant, to tackle a series of sealing projects around the home.

• Two hours: It only takes a couple of hours to seal all those gaps and cracks that cause drafts in your home.

• Three locations: Three key locations will be impacted the most by air sealing projects – the attic, basement and central living space.

So where should you start looking? An easy trick to remember is the ABC's of air sealing:

• A is for attic: The attic is one of the main places in your home that you're likely to lose heat. So in addition to adding insulation, seal around the attic door to help keep air from escaping. You'll keep heat inside your living space and make your home more comfortable year-round.

• B is for basement: It's damp, dark and cold, and often one of the largest air leakage culprits in the home. It's also the most accessible, making it an excellent place to start sealing to prevent cooler air from seeping into the rest of your house.

• C is for central living areas: Don't neglect the most trafficked areas of your home where you eat, sleep, watch TV and host family gatherings. Fill the gaps and cracks in your living spaces – including around electrical outlets and plumbing penetrations – to prevent drafts throughout the year that directly impact the comfort of the home.

For a complete home sealing project checklist, visit www.GreatStuff.dow.com/pdfs/checklist.pdf.