Draft Sealing: Find and Seal Every Winter Draft

Air leaks account for 30% of heating costs—seal them room by room

11 min readLast verified June 2026Beginner

Your home loses conditioned air through hundreds of small gaps and cracks. Provides a systematic room-by-room approach to finding and sealing drafts including windows, doors, outlets, and attic penetrations.

Electrical Outlet Draft Sealing

Exterior wall outlets and switches leak significant air. Remove cover plates (turn off circuit first). Install foam outlet gaskets ($2 for 6-pack) behind the cover plate. Use child safety plugs in unused outlets. For switch plates, use foam gaskets designed for switches. For older homes, also seal gaps between the electrical box and drywall with fire-rated caulk or expanding foam.

Windows & Door Sealing

For windows: apply rope caulk or removable caulk to sash gaps. Install V-strip weatherstripping in window tracks. Use window insulation film for a temporary airtight seal. For doors: install a door sweep on the bottom (adjustable sweeps work best on uneven floors), apply foam or rubber weatherstripping around the sides and top, and use a door draft stopper at the bottom for extra insulation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Top sources: attic hatch, recessed lights, windows (sash gaps), doors (bottom gap), exterior wall outlets, baseboards (gap between floor and wall), and rim joists in basements.
Clear silicone caulk for gaps under 1/4 inch, expanding foam for larger gaps, weatherstripping for moving parts (windows, doors), and door sweeps for door bottoms.

Stay Informed

Get the latest home safety guides and updates delivered to your inbox.