As a homeowner the last thing you want is to lose money on your heating bill because your exterior doors are letting in cold air. This cold air seeping through will potentially keep your home’s heater running longer than is needed causing your home to stay cold longer and add costs to your electric bill. Here are five ways to keep that cold air from seeping through your doors and help you lower those heating bills.
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Install weather strips
Adding weatherstripping around your exterior doors is a cost-efficient way to keep out the cold air during the winter. A variety of materials are available to choose from at your local hardware store from foam to rubber and vinyl that can be easily installed. Most come with adhesive backings that are easy to apply but if you would like a more permanent solution nail in strips are available.
When installing clean your door frame and cut your weatherstripping to size. Fit it onto the frame so it is snug and tight. Doing so makes sure no air seeps through the door frame into your home. When adding additional weatherstripping to your doors you may need to check it periodically as slippage and the elements can weigh on it. Check periodically, about a week after installation, for any airflow and adjust as necessary.
Use a door sweep
Door sweeps are the cheapest way to keep cold air from seeping into your home. Door sweeps are placed at the bottom of the door. This is the most common area where air can seep in from the outside. Made from rubber, foam or vinyl, these sweeps can be easily attached to the bottom of your doors exposed to the outside of the home. First make sure the area is clean when attaching. Stick the sweep to the bottom of the door and you are good to go. Make sure the sweep slightly touches the floor or door space for maximum efficiency. These door sweeps not only help keep out cold air but are also a good choice for any home to keep out any small pests like ants or other bugs.
Apply caulking around door frames
Gaps and cracks around doorframes are areas that will always let cold air in from the outside. Applying caulk to seal any cracks in door frames is a great way to prevent air from getting into your home. Before applying any caulk to your doorways always clean them thoroughly so the caulk attaches properly. Seal the cracks and you most likely will be good to go. You will have to cut away any overflow. Use a sharp knife or razor blade to do so. This style of air protection is best for older style doors that may have shifted over years or decades or use.
Install a storm door
For an added layer of protection from the outside elements consider installing a storm door. These doors will fit over your existing exterior door making a buffer zone that will help keep cold air out and warm air in. Most modern storm doors come with energy efficient glass or screens than can help keep the outside air out of your home. These are easy to install and relatively cheap.
Replace the door
If your exterior doors are old and seeping in air it may be time to replace them. Over time doors warp and change shape due to the heat and cold of winters and summers. Your old door may just be some wood with a window in it with no insulation properties that can easily allow cold or hot air in that raises your electric bill over time. Modern doors are much more energy efficient. If you believe you have an outdated door it is best to just replace it because it will save you money in the long run and you can choose a new front door for your home that may even add some extra curb appeal to your property.
Keeping cold air out of your home through the seams of the doorframe helps keep your home at the right temperature. Making sure your doors are sealed from the outside temperatures and wind will help lower your overall cost on electric bills and keep your home nice and comfy during the cold parts of the year. Keep the chilliness outside. Stay warm and help your wallet by making sure your exterior doors are sealed correctly.
Author: Jared Robinson is the Owner of Robinson Trim LLC, a custom door manufacturer in Gilbert, Arizona. Robinson Trim has been serving the Greater Phoenix area for almost 3 decades providing quality service for homeowners looking to install high performance doors, cabinetry and moulding.
