How you can use weatherstripping to cut heating bills

One of the simplest and least expensive ways to cut heating bills — and make drafty rooms more comfortable — is to use weatherstripping to seal gaps around doors and windows, reducing the infiltration of cold air inside and the migration of heat outside. Here are some tips that will help you choose and install the right kind of weatherstripping.

No one type of weatherstripping is best for all uses. You may, in fact, want to use a combination of materials. Here are the most common types:

1. Aluminum with vinyl: Aluminum with vinyl gasket is good for doors and often comes in a kit with three pieces, for the top and two sides of the door.
2. Felt stripping and tubular rubber or vinyl gaskets: Felt stripping and tubular rubber or vinyl gaskets can be stapled or tacked around door or window frames. The gaskets butt against the edge of the window or door. Attach them to the outside of a window so they won't be seen inside and are hidden outside by screens or storms.
3. Removable rope caulk: Removable rope caulk is a temporary solution for weatherstripping around windows. It looks and feels like long strands of modelling clay and comes in coils. It presses into place around the window.
4. Self adhesive rubber and foam: Self adhesive rubber and foam tapes are suitable for use at the top and bottom of window sashes and along door jambs. They are not very durable but are inexpensive and easy to install.
5. V-strips and spring-metal strips: V-strips and spring-metal strips press against the sides of windows and doors to form a seal. V-strips are avail-able in plastic, which may be self-sticking, or in longer-lasting metal, which must be nailed into place.

One of the most effective ways to seal a door is with a weatherstripping kit that comes with three pieces of aluminum with a vinyl gasket for the top and two sides.

• To install, close the door and mark a piece to fit one side.
• Cut with a hacksaw or tin snips.
• Press the piece lightly against the doorstop and drive in nails or screws.
• Do the same for the top and other side.

Installing a door sweep is an easy way to close the gap at the bottom of a door.

• If necessary, cut the sweep to fit with a hacksaw or tin snips.
• Position the sweep so that it seals the gap but still clears the floor when the door opens.
• Mark the screw hole positions.
• Pre-drill holes for the screws and attach the sweep.

Weatherstripping is an easy and inexpensive way to lower your heating bill. Consider these tips and install weatherstripping to have a warmer house that can save you money!