A large portion of the country is experiencing extremely cold temperatures at the moment, and most people are raising the thermostat to stay toasty.
But living in a house with numerous drafty spots could be draining your wallet, as the heat is escaping just as quickly as you’re trying to warm it up.
This causes your heating system to work much harder, and this increased electricity usage leads to higher bills.
So, here’s how to identify drafty areas, find and fix the problem spots, and save your money for things like blankets, cozy socks, and hot chocolate!
Common drafty rooms in the home
Any part of the house can be drafty, but rooms with more exposed gaps are typically the worst offenders.
“Attics are the usually the place with the greatest heat losses, especially those with poor insulation,” says Gilbert Michaud, a professor at Loyola University Chicago who studies renewable energy and energy efficiency. “Other rooms with exterior doors or windows are often drafty, such as entryways and living rooms with large windows and/or sliding glass doors.”
Basements also tend to be drafty since they’re situated below ground level and often feature gaps or poorly sealed windows that let cold air seep in.
“Don’t forget about laundry rooms with dryer vents, kitchens with range hood vents, and even garages connected to living spaces,” says Justin Cornforth, the owner of Ace Home Company in Williamston, SC. “These overlooked areas can significantly contribute to heat loss.”
Finding the gaps
Once you hone in on the draftiest rooms in your home, it’s time to find the gaps.
The usual suspects are windows, doors, and electrical outlets.
“Windows and doors, if old or poorly insulated, should ideally be sealed off with weatherstripping to avoid drafts regularly,” says Shu Saito, an HVAC and filtration expert at All Filters LLC in Salt Lake City. “Replacing windows and doors is also contingent on the condition, but if they are drafty, it’s a good idea to replace them every 15 to 20 years.”
Electrical outlets, especially those on exterior walls, can let air in if not sealed properly, warns Saito. Seal gaps around outlets with caulk as needed, and replace outlets every 10 to 15 years.
“Lesser-known offenders like recessed lighting, chimney flues, and mail slots shouldn’t be overlooked,” says Cornforth. “Inspect these areas annually, reseal as needed, and replace if the damage is significant.”
How to check your home for drafts
To detect drafts, many experts suggest starting by listening for whistling or rattling noises.
“It doesn’t always work since some drafts are subtle, but it can be effective—especially if there is a lot of wind,” says Saito.
Using a thermal detector—which uses infrared technology to identify where heat is escaping from a building—is “the gold standard for a DIY approach,” according to Cornforth.
Another common way to discover drafts is the “candle test,” where you light a candle and move it along the edges of doors and windows. If the flame flickers, it signals a draft.
Using incense also works. “Just hold it near doors and windows to see if the smoke is being pulled through any cracks, hence showing airflow,” says Saito.
How to fix drafts in your home and save money
Now that you’ve detected the drafts, it’s time to seal them up—because if you don’t, you could be throwing away a lot of money.
“Most estimates suggest that people with drafty windows and doors can lose roughly 20 to 30% in heating costs,” says Michaud.
According to a report from the National Energy Assistance Directors Association, the average cost of home heating this winter is expected to be $941. That means you could be losing up to $282 a year due to drafts.
Over a decade, “that’s enough to fund significant upgrades like energy-efficient windows or even contribute to a new HVAC system,” says Cornforth.
Proper sealing of the gaps reduces these losses drastically, according to Saito—which is why it’s so important to make sure your home is airtight.
“Insulate attic floors, caulk around exterior frames, and use foam gaskets for outlets,” advises Cornforth.
DIY weather-sealing kits you can buy at the hardware store are also a good way to add some extra air sealing around older exterior doors and windows, according to Simon Bernath, CEO of FurnacePrices.ca.
In areas with more significant issues, consider professional help to fully seal gaps in your attic, walls, or foundation.
“The payoff will be huge in terms of energy efficiency if steps are taken to make sure these areas are sealed tight,” assures Saito.
While you’re at it, ask your electric or gas company if they offer rebates or incentives for efficiency upgrades.
“Many programs cover a portion of your costs for insulation, sealing, or energy-efficient windows,” says Cornforth.
Another thing most utility companies offer are free or low-cost “energy audits.”
This is a thorough inspection by a professional to pinpoint areas of energy inefficiency and suggest ways to reduce energy consumption.
Michaud explains that these “tailored recommendations for your home” can be extremely valuable in cutting energy costs.
