Caulking is one of the quickest and easiest ways to stop air leaks around the interior of the home. The first step to a great caulking job is to choose the correct product.

Most do-it-yourselfers prefer to use a water-based caulk because they are easy to use and clean up with soap and water. Polyseamseal All-Purpose Adhesive Caulk is always a great choice among the water-based caulks since it has been a trusted brand for more than 50 years. Additionally, it provides a permanently flexible weather-resistant seal against air, moisture, dirt and dust and adheres to almost any surface.

So, before the cold air rushes in, grab your gun filled with Polyseamseal All-Purpose Adhesive Caulk and follow this checklist to be sure your home is properly sealed.

• Window Frames
  Small gaps and cracks around windows not only allow energy to escape from the house, but also can cause damage to your insulation and framing from dampness. Luckily, caulking around windows can tackle this temperature and water problem easily. Just be sure the surface is clean and dry before you start caulking.

• Perimeter Walls
  Perimeter walls often suffer as your home shifts, creating small cracks. While they may look small and not very menacing, they are yet another place for cool air to sneak in and warm air to filter out. For small cracks, just fill in with caulk. For large gaps and openings, fill the joint with a foam joint filler, such as PL VersaRod.

  Filling the crack with joint filler seals gaps, prevents loss of caulking, and helps the cured material to expand and contract without rupturing.

• Door Frames
  Did you know that a 1/8-inch gap around two door frames can let in as much cold air as leaving a 12-inch window opened 6 inches all winter long? So be sure to check around door frames to close any possible leaks. It's a good idea to remove any old caulking before you start to create an even caulk bead and to ensure a better seal.

• Attic Openings
  With limited insulation in most attic areas, it is important that you keep a tight seal around these openings since they are just as important as windows and doors that lead to outside. Be sure to check all framing and caulk for any possible gaps.

Did you know that caulking around windows and doors can cut heating and cooling bills by 10 percent?