Eliminate Cold Air Drafts from Electrical
Outlets and Switches Located on Exterior Walls
By Mark J. Donovan
Electrical Outlets and switches
located on exterior walls are frequently found to be major sources for cold
air drafts. Left unchecked you can waste a lot of money on winter home
heating energy bills. By installing electrical outlet and switch sealers you
can prevent this from happening.
Electrical outlet and switch sealers
are thin foam pads that have cutouts for the outlet and switch receptacles. They
are very inexpensive and extremely easy to install.
And most importantly, they will stop the cold air drafts and save you a
bundle on home heating energy bills. You can find electrical outlet and switch
sealers at any home improvement store.
To see if you have cold air infiltration around your electrical outlets and switches just place your hand
over them and feel for any cold air drafts. Ideally you should do this on a cold
blustery day, as this will enable you to more easily detect the drafts.
Photo by - Mark Donovan
The reason for the cold air drafts in
and around the electrical outlets and switches is due to the improper
installation of insulation around them during the construction of the home.
Fortunately you do not have to live with the cold air drafts.
Installation of
Electrical Outlet and Switch Sealers
To install electrical outlet and
switch sealers begin by turning power off to the outlet or switch at the main
circuit panel.
Next, use a digital multimeter or
circuit tester to make sure power is indeed turned off at the outlet of fixture
itself.
Now remove the cover plate using
a screwdriver.
Next, install the foam sealer
over the electrical outlet or switch. Remember to first remove the
appropriate cut-out on the sealer for the type of electrical box (outlet or
switch) that you are sealing.
Finally, install the electrical
cover plate over the sealer and turn power back on to the electrical outlet
or switch at the main circuit panel.
It’s that simple. The cold air
drafts around your electrical outlets and switches are now a thing of the
past and your home heating energy bills will be a little smaller next month.
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Electrical Outlet and Switch Sealers from
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