• Customer Services
• Your PUD
• Environmental Stewardship
  • Operating Responsibly
  • Fish and Wildlife
  • Habitat Conservation Plans
  • Energy Conservation
  • Water Conservation
  • Solar and Wind (SNAP)
• Learning Center
• Parks and Recreation
• Working At The PUD
• Vendors and Contractors
• En español

SEARCH

The Wiser Way: Feeling a draft? Here's how to stop it

By Mark Wiser - PUD Conservation Program manager

In winter, the difference in temperature between the inside and outside of your home increases, your heating system operates more, and areas of your home may feel drafty.

There are a couple of reasons this happens:

Heat always tries to equalize itself. When there are temperature differences, heat will flow from hot to cold. The greater the temperature differences, the faster the heat change.

Differences in air pressures caused by fans or the “stack effect,” where heated air rises and is replaced by heavier cold air, can greatly increase heat loss. Cracks or openings in your home’s exterior become pathways for heat loss, causing drafts, which increase use (and costs) of your heating system.

Although cracks and openings are often small, when you have many, they add up. Many small cracks added together can equal a hole comparable to a window. Imagine having an open window in your living room all winter!

Operable windows and doors are common sources of heat loss. These cracks can be easily sealed with weatherstripping. Weatherstripping usually comes in rolls or strips with plastic or metal backing. Door sweeps and door thresholds are also classified as weatherstripping.

Weatherstripping is made from foam (both open and closed cell), with adhesive backing, plastic V channel, or EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer rubber) or silicone.

Open cell foam, a light, fluffy material, is the least expensive but has the shortest life. A better option is closed cell foam. This denser, stiffer foam lasts longer and seals better. One of the best types of weatherstripping is made from EPDM. This rubber-like material is firm yet is the most flexible and durable. Another good choice is silicone. This product is durable and stays very flexible in very cold weather, although it is not as readily available in most hardware stores. All of these materials are good for doors.

To seal drafty single- or double-hung wood windows, the V-channel excels. This thin plastic roll is creased in the middle, creating a “V.” The weatherstripping attaches to the window frame with an adhesive backing and compresses when the window is closed. This is a simple, durable, and easy-to-install product.

Attaching weatherstripping on a door is easy. Most of the available products come with adhesive backing. It is important to clean the surface of the door jamb to remove dirt and oil. This ensures the adhesive will adhere to the jamb. Simply measure, cut to size, remove the adhesive backing and apply the weatherstripping to the jamb so that the weatherstripping compresses when the door is closed. It’s that easy. If you can see light around the door edge, you will need to adjust the weatherstripping.

A longer-lasting alternative is to purchase weatherstripping with a plastic or metal backing. Although made of the same materials mentioned above, this product often comes in a tube or rope-like shape. The weatherstripping is measured and cut to length and then tacked to the door jamb with small nails. These products work well, but are larger and, due to their appearance, may not be acceptable for a nice entry door.