Stop drafts before they drain your heating bill

Your doors and windows may be leaking more money than you think. Weatherstripping can cut drafts, improve comfort, and lower heating and cooling costs, but only if you find the leak, pick the right material, and install it cleanly.^[4][27]

Step 1: find the drafts. Try the flashlight test, a candle or incense smoke, or the dollar-bill test at door edges; if light leaks through or the flame bends, you have a gap.^[7][11][13]

Step 2: choose the right material for the job. The DOE says use weatherstripping on movable parts and caulk on stationary cracks; silicone, vinyl, metal, foam, V-strip, sweeps, and tubular seals each fit different gaps and wear patterns.^[4][3][27]

Step 3: prep the surface before you stick anything down. Remove old stripping, clean off glue and dust, dry the frame, sand rough spots, and check for loose hinges or warped wood first.^{[1][5][6][15]}

Step 4: install, then test. Cut to length without stretching silicone, set compression so the door still closes smoothly, and finish with a quick light check or close-the-door inspection for daylight gaps.^[1][15][27]