With energy bills showing no sign of dropping, I am on the hunt for small, affordable ways to make my heating go further for less in winter.
So when an energy expert told me I could potentially shave 10% or more from my annual heating costs with a humble $17 draft excluder from Amazon, I was all ears.
Here's how some simple draft-proofing could save you $100s on your bills annually.
How a draft excluder can help cut energy bills
Available in three lengths, this weighted draft-excluder sits flush against your thresholds, stopping any drafts and cold-air transfer. They securely block any gaps up to three inches wide.
According to Ethen Heine, president and CEO of Suntrek Solar, draft excluders are one of the most effective, affordable ways to stop air transfer, reducing heat loss under doors to cut energy bills.
This makes your heating more efficient, he explains. 'In many cases, your bills can be up to 10-15% lower. I have found that, for many households, a $20 excluder saves $100 to $150 in a single season. In my household, for example, draft excluders cut my furnace consumption by 12%.'
It isn't just a one-off, either.
One verified Amazon shopper also saved hundreds on their bills, claiming it worked so well they ended up buying three for all over their small apartment.
After their boiler failed and they were forced to use infrared heaters instead, they shared, 'Last year my bill was almost $800 for one apartment. So I put these up on the entry doors and the porch door, where most heat tends to get zapped. We have saved so much money, and my little apartment is toasty!
'My dad lives in the unit above me and argued that it wouldn't work. He's now a believer and has even convinced my aunt to buy some for her apartment.'
Their tip? Use some double-sided tape (available from Walmart) to attach the draft excluder to the bottom of the door for a flush finish, stopping all air transfer altogether.
What to shop
This weighted draft-excluder sits flush against your thresholds, stopping any drafts and cold-air transfer. They securely block any gaps up to three inches wide and come in four colors.
Available in six sizes and four colors, this double-sided draft excluder slides beneath your door to offer draft protection from both sides for ultimate energy savings. It is renter-friendly and affordable, perfect for internal doors.
This smart thermostat allows you to set energy-saving schedules for a more convenient, comfortable home. It integrates well with Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistants, and is ENERGY STAR Certified.
Adding weather stripping around your windows and doors can help to prevent air leaks, forming a tighter seal that prevents air transfer and pests in winter. It's so easy to do, and this tape can be cut to size in seconds.
This product applies crystal clear so you won't have any loss of light. It's also highly durable to help add an extra layer of insulation to windows for a warmer home in winter. Windows are the most common cause of heat loss in homes.
Insulating foam expands on application to fill gaps up to one inch in size, preventing air transfer for a warmer home this winter.
Meet the expert
Ethan Heine is the President and CEO of Suntrek Solar and a third-generation solar contractor. After graduating from the University of Colorado, he spent 15 years working across every area of the solar industry before taking the helm of the family business, which has been a leader in renewable energy since the 1970s.
Air transfer isn't the only thing making your heating system work harder. Everything from dirty vents to old air filters could be impacting your bills, too.
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