Don’t shoot the messenger! I know, none of us want to think of Old Man Winter’s impending icy grip and howling winds, but like it or not, for many of us, he’s quickly heading our way!
You know that drafty window or the back door where you can actually feel the wind blowing on your toes? Well, those types of areas in your home can actually waste between 5% – 30% of your energy. Not only is that a huge energy drain, it’s also a very big financial drain.
Simple draft stopper {Photo credit – eBay}
Until you get those windows and doors upgraded I have an easy, simple, cheap and effective fix. Depending on your age, you may have seen this fix in your parents or grand-parents home, I know I have. Just roll a piece of fabric such as a towel, bath towel or small blanket into a tight tube shape and place it next to the drafty door or window and voila…draft is gone, heat is in, energy is saved and cash is in your pocket!
If you are looking for something a little fancier and are handy with a needle and thread, you could make a draft stopper or you can also purchase them…just Google “draft stopper” {aka draft snake} and you’ll find many ideas.
Not so simple draft stopper {Photo credit - eBay}
FYI, eBay had 817 results listed under door draft stopper…who knew???
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I have seen them before – never used them though
I never thought the draft from the door could waste so much energy. Thanks for the tip!
Honestly when we first moved into our fixer-upper we had these everywhere and loved them
I didn’t realize that there was so much heat loss from a single draft! Thanks for the info! I’ll be investing in one or two this winter!
Aww, I WANT that kitty draft stopper! I also have to buy zip silicone and seal up our windows! :)
I know Kathryn, isn’t it cute!
Such a great idea! My MIL (the frugal farmer’s wife) has those. It makes me realize that farmers are the original “greenies” when it comes to conserving energy. She has all kinds of tips on how to save, conserve, and live on a dime.
Great tips!! I’m shocked that it can be 5 – 30 % of energy lost!
I live the cute kitty cat one. I could make that. Adorable! Thanks. We had an Eco energy audit last year when the furnace broke. One of our biggest drains on energy and cold air return to house was the garage door that leads off front hall. Huge drafts there. It was an odd sized door so we shopped around but couldn’t replace it easily. So we ended up doing additional weather stripping etc. these draft stoppers are an easy way to accomplish the same thing.
Paula I love the kitty one too, we had draft stoppers in our older house but they weren’t cute like that!
We use draft stoppers – at my front door I have cats. lol! I have not been above using rolled up towels either. They certainly make a difference.
I love using these! I use one that my Grandma made years and years ago…still works great :)
omg love the kitty draft solution, I should get one. We have so many cracks and poor foundation in our unit, the air gets in all the time even when the heat is on, it’s cold!
Isn’t it adorable Jodi, and they work really well!