How to Make a Draft Dodger

Whether it's the heat or cold air from your air conditioner that keeps seeping out under your doors, you can construct a draft dodger to block that space and cut fuel costs in the bargain. There are many ways to make these useful obstructions.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Paper towel tubes
• Hot glue
• Fabric
• Plastic garbage bags
• Broom handle or long stick

1. Measure your door and determine how many paper towel tubes you need to stretch from on end of the door to the other. The tubes will fit inside each other, so you'll need a little extra width. For standard doors, you'll need 3 paper towel rolls.

2. Fit the paper three tubes together. Crunch the ends slightly so they fit inside each other. Place a small ring of hot glue at the spot where the tubes connect. You will end up with one long tube that is the width of your door.

3. Fill the long tube with plastic garbage bags. Don't overstuff the tube, but make sure that the tube is solid and will not flatten. You can the handle of a broom or a long stick to push the plastic garbage bags into the tube.

4. Cover the tube with fabric using the hot glue to keep it in place. Then, place the tube next to the door to prevent hot or cold air from escaping.

Tips & Warnings

• You can make draft dodgers out of tights, neckties, or just plain fabric stuffed with paper or cotton.