Trying to heat the whole neighborhood?
Doors by their definition are meant to be opened … and closed. When in use, it is the single largest hole in your home insulation. So make sure when it’s not in use, it is truly closed. Not only will it save you money, it can keep unwanted critters out too. Those cockroaches love to come in from the cold when the mercury starts dropping.
Weatherproofing doors is a simple way to combat both of these problems at the same time.
Air slips in and out of exterior doors without them even being open, causing the home to lose a certain level of comfort. When the temperature in the home is uncomfortable, often the next plan of action is to tamper with the settings on the thermostat.
Door weatherproofing with door sweeps is a method of sealing these air leaks. They are installed on door bottoms to close the gap between the door and the floor. The most common size is a 36 inch door sweep but you may need a 42 inch door sweep.
Approximately 11 percent of all heat loss at home occurs through exterior doors. When heat is lost, an increase in energy bills is sure to follow. By weatherproofing doors, the amount of air leaking in and out of the home will decrease, positively affecting this portion of energy bills. Door weatherproofing is also cost-effective. It pays for itself in savings within months of use, and continues to save money long after.
Take a look at the weatherstripping or door sweep and make sure it is not worn. If it’s cracked or torn, or it’s obvious there’s a gap, you should replace it.
An easy test to see if you have gaps in the seal of your door is a light test. After dark, shine a flashlight around the edge of the door and have someone on the other side watch for the light shining through.
If you see a gap, you’ll want to address it.
One option is the Macklanburg-Duncan Automatic Door Sweep for doors that open into carpeted areas or over an area rug. The most common size is a 36 inch door sweep but you may need a 42 inch door sweep. If you live in an apartment or don’t want to drill, you can try the Hampton Direct Twin Draft Guard. These attach without modifying the door for easier installation.