Assess Drafty Doors

For around $4 a roll at your local hardware store, foam weather stripping is inexpensive and easy to apply. Check the weather stripping around each exterior door every year to make sure that it’s still intact, replacing pieces that are worn out, torn, or missing. Choose the size of your weather stripping wisely, and stick up a test strip before outfitting the whole doorframe. The seal around your door should be snug—the door should just close, with a gentle push to lock—but not tight, such that you need to shoulder it closed. Also consider adding a simple rubber door sweep or an old-school door snake across your threshold, which will eliminate chilly drafts. Don’t forget about interior doors that lead to unheated spaces, as well—think attic doors, crawl spaces, and basements. Read more