Drafts are a common household problem that can lead to higher energy bills and cold homes. With these easy, reversible fixes, you can bring the giant vacuum effect to a halt and keep your home warm and toasty all winter.
A draft is essentially a hole or crack that allows warm air to escape your home and allow cold air in, which results in higher energy costs. Drafts can be caused by a variety of things, and most have something in common: gaps.
Check the Weatherstripping
As anyone who has lived in a drafty house knows, a draft is often caused by old windows. However, it is not uncommon to notice a draft around the doors as well. Whether it is from an old window or drafty door, the problem can be solved by installing some simple weather stripping to close the gap and prevent warm air from escaping.
This is a relatively inexpensive and easily DIY project that should be completed in the fall before cold temperatures arrive. The first step is to make sure that the door is properly aligned. If it is not, this can cause a draft and also result in the doors being difficult to open or close. Once the alignment is correct, install some foam tape to seal the gap on the sides and above the door. There are also many peel-and-stick solutions that can be applied but some need to be installed when the temperature is above 50 degrees. If you choose to use a peel-and-stick product, test it by applying a small section to a clean area to see how easy it adheres. If you are using a metal type of weather stripping, be sure to face the opening of the strips outward to prevent moisture from entering.
The next step is to perform an energy audit and reseal any gaps found. This can include the windows, recessed lights, fireplaces, foundation walls and attic hatches. You can easily find these leaks by lighting an incense stick or candle on a windy day and holding it up against the frame of the door or window to see where the smoke is flickering.
Check the Door Closer
The door closer is a feature of most doors designed to automatically close the door and engage the latch after it has been opened. In addition to preventing energy loss, this mechanism also increases security by preventing unauthorized access and potential safety hazards.
However, if your door closer is not properly adjusted or maintained, it can create drafts and increase energy loss. Inspect the door closer and ensure it is set to close with sufficient force to engage and latch the door. It should also be lubricated regularly to reduce friction and wear on moving parts.
A closer should also be set to close quickly enough to overcome any variable resistance due to changing air pressures or wind gusts. This is particularly important on doors with high usage, such as schools, hospitals and malls, as well as doors in public buildings that are frequently used by the general public.
The big picture: Fixing a drafty house isn’t easy and often involves addressing several smaller issues at once. Strategic insulation, air sealing and door weatherstripping can help steady the flow of air and bring that giant vacuum effect to a stop. The best part is that many of these upgrades are eligible for federal tax credits or local utility rebates. Check with your contractor to find out more!
Check the Hardware
Drafty houses are a common household problem and a significant contributor to higher energy bills. The good news is that there are some easy ways to fix a drafty house, so you can save money and stay comfortable this winter.
Drafts happen because of two phenomena: pressure and suction. Cold winter winds blowing against your building create a difference in pressure between indoor and outdoor air, which then pulls at warm air through small gaps in your walls. This pushes warm air out of your house, and dastardly cold air is all too happy to squeeze in its place, which you feel as a draft.
The first place to start is by examining the seals around your windows and doors. If the caulking is missing or dry and cracked, reapply it. You can also use a special rubberized caulking that lasts longer than regular caulk and can move with the natural expansion and contraction of your building.
Next, check the door hinges and latch to make sure they are properly aligned. If they are not, you can add an escutcheon to prevent drafts that come in through the keyhole.
Other places to check for drafts are around electrical outlets and light switches. You can purchase foam or silicone gaskets that fit over outlet plate covers to prevent drafts from coming in through these penetrations in your walls.
Install a Sweep or Shoe
Door sweeps and shoes seal the gap between the bottom edge of the door and the threshold to keep cold air out and warm air in. They’re an inexpensive and easy-to-install way to reduce drafts that can save energy dollars all year. A door sweep consists of a narrow strip of rubber, plastic or bristles that hangs down from the bottom edge of the door and plugs the gap between the floor and threshold when the door is closed. They are available in several models. Some are simple strips with adhesive backing that can be applied to the floor without removing the door from its hinges; others require you to remove the door and screw them in place.
A door shoe consists of a U-shaped piece of material, usually vinyl with a rubber or bristled bottom, that wraps around the bottom of the door on the interior side and cups the threshold when the door is closed. These are available in several models to fit various gaps, and some have an extra feature that redirects water away from the door.
Another easy-to-install option is a surface-mounted astragal that runs vertically up the side of each door. These are available in many different materials and styles, including some that run up to three sealing fins at the bottom for an even better barrier to prevent drafts and pests.