About Drafty Doors

Drafty doors are a big energy waster. They allow cold air to enter into your home in the winter while letting heat seep in during the muggy summer months.

Eliminating these drafts is one of the least expensive and most cost-effective home improvements. A trip to the local home center or hardware store will reveal a wide assortment of potential fixes. The solution that you choose may depend on your budget and handyman skills.

Significance

A drafty exterior door adds an estimated 2 percent to your home's annual energy bill. Fixing this problem will make your home more comfortable and result in financial savings. Repairing or replacing a drafty door also can help reduce our nation's carbon footprint. In other words, you can save money and help prevent global warming at the same time.

Prevention/Solution

There are a number of solutions for a drafty door, including:

* Installing an exterior storm door.
* Replacing a hollow door with a solid one.
* Using caulk to fill in gaps in the trim around a drafty door.
* Placing weather-stripping around the door, particularly at the bottom.

Considerations

When it comes to a drafty door, a key consideration involves your budget. Installing a storm door or replacing a hollow door with a solid one are the most expensive options, costing anywhere from $100 to $300. Caulking or weather-stripping materials are significantly cheaper choices for fixing a drafty door.

Individuals who lack handyman skills may want to consider hiring a professional for the job. This will result in less effort and potential frustration but the cost will be higher.

Time Frame

Fall is one of the best times to fix a drafty door. Correcting the problem before cold temperatures arrive will keep your home feeling cozy all winter long while also lowering your monthly energy bills.

Benefits

Besides lowering their monthly utility bills, homeowners in the United States may qualify for a federal energy-efficiency tax break of up to $500 if they replace a drafty door after Jan. 1, 2009. Under a law signed by President Bush on Oct. 3, 2008, these homeowners can recover 10 percent of the cost for installing a storm door or an energy-efficient exterior door. Check with your tax adviser for more information on this tax credit.

Resources

• Drafty Doors Waste Energy