Have you ever found your living space feeling unusually cold or warm, despite the HVAC system being in good working order? If so, you might have an air leak around one of your doors or windows. Identifying and sealing this leak is essential before you can effectively adjust your thermostat settings.
Finding and repairing air leaks can be a challenging task, especially in older homes where drafts may come from windows, doors, fireplaces, and other hidden areas. Even newer homes aren’t immune to leaks. The good news is that there’s an easy way to detect these leaks using a tool you likely already have. Learn how a simple lighter can help you pinpoint problem areas and offer tips on keeping unwanted air out or preventing the right air from escaping.
This technique isn’t new, but Instagram user @builttomade has effectively showcased it in a viral video. In the clip, he demonstrates his suspicion of an air leak at the bottom corner of a door, and how using a light confirmed his hunch. By carefully holding a flame along the door frame, he observed the leak’s source based on the flame’s movement. A flickering or bending flame indicated an air draft, while a steady flame suggested a sealed frame.
He also notes that light may pass through a gap, which can vary depending on the room’s location and the outdoor light conditions. In darker settings, a flashlight can be helpful to see gaps once the flame has indicated their presence.
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when searching for drafts:
– Close all doors and windows nearby to prevent the flame from being unintentionally influenced.
– Turn off fans and the HVAC system to avoid interference during your inspection.
– Check the entire frame, including the top, bottom, and sides, and use tape to mark any leaks to know where to focus your repairs.
Always be cautious around flames, particularly when working with wooden frames. Keep the flame at a safe distance from materials but close enough to detect drafts. It’s advisable to perform this test when children or pets are in a safe, separate room.
Once you’ve identified drafts, you can seal them with weather stripping, door sweeps, caulk, or corner seals, as shown in the video. These fixes not only enhance insulation but can also lead to significant savings on your energy bill. Use the following information to choose the right method for fixing drafty doors based on the location of the leaks.
For a substantial gap and strong draft, a door sweep is a good option. These are typically made of an aluminum strip with a rubber seal. A door snake, a fabric tube filled with sand, can also be used at the base of the door for less severe drafts.
Installing or repairing weather stripping is often the most efficient fix. Replace worn-out weather stripping with your choice of felt, foam, rubber, or silicone. For small leaks, adhesive-backed foam can suffice.
Caulk should be used to seal cracks between the frame and the wall, with clear silicone providing a discreet seal.
Other methods to eliminate door drafts include replacing a worn threshold, adjusting loose hinges, or purchasing a storm door.
If windows are the source of the draft, add weather stripping to the sash’s bottom or caulk around the perimeter. Heavy-duty curtains can also act as insulators, so consider adding them if your windows are currently uncovered. In extremely cold climates, using shrink wrap temporarily around windows can help retain heat.
