A gust of wind can cool a house quickly, no matter how high you run your heating system. If you’ve ever wondered why your home is so dirty, the reasons are easy to find. Solutions can be as simple as adding foam insulation or installing outlet sealers.
Here are 10 solutions from contractors and weatherization experts for fixing a drafty house.
outlet leak
Randy Bujnowski of Duck Brands, a provider of weatherproofing products, says electrical outlet receptacles are a hidden cause of drafts.
fix it
Bujnowski says socket sealers are a simple, fast solution and you don’t need to be an electrician to install them.
“Simply place one behind the outer face plate cover of an outlet or switch to ensure a snug fit between the wall and the face plate, preventing drafts,” says Bujnowski.
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gapped floorboard
Contractor Dosia Boylen says drafts can seep between the gaps in the floorboards. This is a common problem in older homes with gapped floorboards or inadequate subflooring.
fix it
Floorboard is the solution to draft Add Area RugsBoylen says. Area rugs are instant insulation that take minutes to roll up.
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leaky entry
The houses are pierced by various entrances including external water taps, bathroom vents, chimneys, earthen mounds and wires.
Many drafts come from improperly sealed inlets, says Glenn Gault of Gault Heating & Cooling. These are often left open during construction or the sealant is damaged.
fix it
Apply caulk or low-expansion spray foam insulation Around large openings where pipes or wires enter the wall.
failed insulation
That said, poor insulation installation can cause drafts andrew leggCEO of sustainable insulation company Havelock Wool.
The insulation may be the wrong size for the wall cavity. Or, the vapor barrier may be improperly stapled to the studs – or detached.
fix it
One solution, says Legge, is to add insulation in easy-to-access places: attics, crawl spaces and open walls.
With blown-in insulation in closed walls, have a professional add more insulation on top of the existing insulation.
windows and doors
Bujnowski says doors and windows are one of the most common sources of drafts.
fix it
“By installing a draft seal, homeowners can easily protect their home and prevent drafts,” says Bujnowski.
This simple improvement can have a dramatic impact on high energy bills, as it limits energy waste and reduces the need to constantly adjust the thermostat upward.
attic leak
Gault says the attic is a major source of heat loss. Warm air passes upward through a poorly insulated or sealed attic. Drafts can also pass downwards.
fix it
“Go into the attic and look for open spaces around light fixtures, vent pipes, and wiring,” says Gault. Prevent drafts by applying caulk or expanding foam to seal these gaps at the top.
open dumper
The chimney quickly moves smoke up and away from the house. This can do the opposite by bringing outside drafts into the house.
The problem may be that the fireplace damper is not closed or sealed properly.
fix it
Make sure the damper is closed, says Boylen. It’s easy to forget that the damper is open after the fire is out.
If the damper is closed but still leaking, install a chimney balloon. A chimney balloon is an inflatable device that seals a chimney and costs $25 to $45.
recessed lights
recessed lights According to Gault, there is an opening for drafts in the house.
Recessed lights penetrate the ceiling, and the attic is generally drier and cooler than the level below.
fix it
Install insulated, airtight covers directly over fixtures in the attic, says Gault. Or, install IC-rated (insulation-contact) recessed lights so you can safely place attic insulation over the lights.
empty pipeline trap
The draft may come from an unexpected source: the sink, shower, tub or toilet. If drafts are weak sewer smellWater is probably missing from the plumbing drain trap.
purpose of drain trap A water seal is created to prevent sewer gas from entering the house. Water may evaporate from the trap if the appliance has not been used for some time.
fix it
Flush the toilet to fill the trap. In sinks, tubs, and showers, run water for about one minute to fill the trap.
settle down
“Older homes often deteriorate because the foundation settles over time,” says Gault. “This causes hairline cracks to form in the walls and around windows and doors, allowing cold air in.”
fix it
Seal the hairline to fix drafts caused by house settling cracks in the foundation Use expanding foam with flexible caulk and for larger gaps.