Sealing Drafts: Energy Saving Tips

Ward off winter winds and save energy with these tips


In winter it can be too cold to caulk windows and doors from the outside, but there's still a lot you can do to cut down on drafts. With a caulk gun and a little know-how, you can make several money-saving improvements without leaving the comfort of a warm house.

Replacement windowsWindy walls: The exterior walls of your home are like Swiss cheese, with each "hole" (for a window, door, outlet or light switch) a source of air leakage. Sealing drafts around these openings from the inside can prevent serious energy loss.

Windows: Caulk the window molding where it meets the wall. Use acrylic-latex caulk because it spreads easily and can be cleaned up with water. A good technique is to squirt a thin bead of caulk at the intersection of the wall and molding, and then use your finger to spread the caulk into the seam. Next, use a sponge and warm water to remove excess caulk and finish spreading the caulk. Don't forget to caulk under the sill as well--this area is particularly leaky and a good seal-up job is important.

If your windows themselves are the source of drafts, consider investing in replacement windows. These are specially made to fit inside your existing window openings and can be installed with very little disturbance to the outside wall and siding. Replacement windows have insulated glass and most tilt in for cleaning. Prices vary, but an average-size window should cost about $150 plus installation. Most large home centers now sell good-quality replacement windows. Purchasing from them generally means you'll get a decent job for a fair price, and have a reliable company to complain to if you're not satisfied.

Doors: Caulk around the inside door molding just like you've done with the windows. In addition, check the weatherstripping around the molding on the exterior side of the door. If the weatherstripping is worn or cracked, replace it. Next, check the door sill at the base of the door. When closed, you should not be able to see light coming through the door. Sills are usually adjustable so if you see any gaps, move the sill to close them. When the sill is properly installed, the door should just rub across it when closed. Don't be too picky about having the door close easily without rubbing the sill. A stiff door will keep the drafts out. Baseboard moldings should also be caulked wherever they meet the walls to seal out air leaks.


When you're done with the walls, don't forget to check your ceilings for openings that need to be sealed as well. For example, just like an exterior door, attic stairs or hatches should be weatherstripped and the back of the stair or hatch should be insulated as much as possible, sealing drafts as you go!

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Sealing drafts

One of the biggest place for conditioned air loss is the base of the walls. By caulking either your baseboard at the floor or with a little more work, remove the base and caulk the drywall at the floor behind the base. I know it sounds like work, but you would be surprised at how much heating and cooling loss there is because air being forced up into the walls.