How Drafts Affect Your Home: Easy Tips to Seal and Save Energy

​How Drafts Impact Your Home and Wallet
Drafts may seem like a minor annoyance, but they can have a significant impact on your home’s comfort, energy efficiency, and heating costs. As cold air seeps in and warm air escapes, your HVAC system works overtime to maintain a consistent indoor temperature, leading to higher utility bills and unnecessary wear and tear on your heating equipment. Let’s explore the causes of drafts and how you can seal them to create a cozier, more efficient home.

The Common Culprits Behind Drafts
Drafts often originate from small gaps and cracks in your home’s envelope.
Common sources include:

• Windows and Doors: Poor seals or gaps around frames and thresholds are a leading cause of drafts.
• Attics and Basements: Inadequate insulation or unsealed entry points can allow significant air leakage.
• Electrical Outlets and Switches: These can act as small passageways for cold air, especially on exterior walls.
• Vents and Ducts: Leaky ductwork or unsealed vents can contribute to heat loss.
• Fireplaces: An open or poorly sealed damper lets cold air rush in and warm air escape.

Identifying these problem areas is the first step in sealing drafts and improving your home’s energy efficiency.

Why Sealing Drafts Matters
Sealing drafts is one of the most cost-effective ways to enhance your home’s comfort and energy efficiency.
Here’s why it’s important:

• Lower Energy Bills: By reducing air leakage, you can cut your heating and cooling costs by up to 20%, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
• Improved Comfort: No more chilly spots or uneven temperatures—sealed drafts help maintain a consistent, cozy indoor climate.
• Reduced Carbon Footprint: Using less energy means lowering your environmental impact.
• Extended HVAC Lifespan: When your heating system doesn’t have to work as hard, it lasts longer and operates more efficiently.

How to Find and Seal Drafts
Step 1: Locate the Drafts
To find drafts, you can:

• Conduct a visual inspection for visible gaps or cracks.
• Perform a candle test: Light a candle and slowly move it around windows, doors, and other potential leak areas. Watch for flickering flames, which indicate air movement.
• Use an infrared thermometer to detect temperature differences along walls and windows.

Step 2: Seal the Drafts
Once you’ve identified problem areas, take these steps to seal them:

1. Windows and Doors
   • Apply weatherstripping to door frames and movable window parts.
   • Use caulk to seal gaps around stationary components like window frames.
2. Attics and Basements
   • Add or replace insulation in under-insulated areas.
   • Seal gaps with spray foam or rigid foam boards.
3. Electrical Outlets and Switches
   • Install foam gaskets behind outlet and switch covers to block drafts.
4. Ducts and Vents
   • Seal ductwork with mastic sealant or metal-backed tape.
   • Ensure vents are properly fitted and sealed.
5. Fireplaces
   • Close the damper when not in use.
   • Install a chimney balloon or cover for unused fireplaces.

Maintain Your Seals for Long-Term Benefits
Sealing drafts isn’t a one-and-done task. Over time, materials like weatherstripping and caulk can degrade, so it’s important to:

• Check seals annually for wear and tear.
• Replace or reapply sealing materials as needed.
• Monitor your home’s comfort and energy bills for signs of new leaks.

Stay Warm and Save Big
Drafts may seem small, but their impact on your comfort and energy costs is anything but minor. By sealing these hidden culprits, you can enjoy a warmer, more energy-efficient home while lowering your heating bills.
​
Take charge of your home’s efficiency this season and create a cozy haven against Minnesota’s winter chill!