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Dictionary.com tells us that weather stripping is “a narrow strip of material to cover the joint of a door or window to exclude the cold”. Of course, there is no such thing as “cold” in physics, just an absence of heat. No matter; the important thing to remember is that it will save money on electricity and gas utility bills in the summer and and winter.
Although windows and entry doors are the first areas that come to mind, places like your garage door threshold benefit from a better seal too. All the home’s weather stripping should be checked two times each year and replaced when deterioration or gaps are found.
You’ll find several basic types at home improvement stores, and the 2 most common are self-adhesive foam strips and door thresholds sporting a vinyl bulb. These products are getting better all the time.
A snug door sweep in decent shape is another opportunity to increase your home’s energy efficiency. It goes hand in hand with installing the recommended amount of attic insulation (depending on your location) which is the basic way to save on air conditioning and heating bills.
Once that’s done, the following steps are recommended. Either do it yourself as a weekend project, or check out handymen or contractors in your area.
Install or Replace Self-Adhesive Foam to Doors and Windows
This foam (the most common brand you will find is FrostKing); it is inexpensive, easy to apply, and effective. It’s easy to find at Amazon.com and all hardware stores and home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowes. You’ll need these tools and material:
A tape measure.
The requisite number of rolls of foam; measure all the windows and doors you need to treat. The package will indicate the length of the roll. It's always a good idea to over-buy because of scraps and eliminating yet another trip to the store.
Scissors, X-Acto knife, or a utility knife.
How to Weather Strip a Door or Window
Measure across the header of the door frame or top of the window.
Cut a piece of foam that length.
Pull off the backing, exposing the sticky side and apply the weather stripping to the window casing or door jamb. Begin at one side and work your way across to the other.
Repeat these steps for the vertical sides.
Other Types of Weather Stripping
V Strip (Tension Seal). This is a durable plastic or metal strip folded into a 'V' shape that springs open to bridge gaps. It is generally used along the sides of a double-hung or sliding window; on the top and sides of a door.
Felt. Felt is sold in rolls, either plain or reinforced with a pliable metal strip. It is inexpensive, but it usually lasts only a year or two.
Follow those simple steps to maintain your door and window weather stripping and keep more of the money you earn. These energy improvements are easy to implement, inexpensive to do, and are effective in both the summer and the winter.
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About the Author:
Kelly R. Smith was a commercial carpenter for 20 years before returning to night school at the University of Houston where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science. After working at NASA for a few years, he went on to develop software for the transportation and financial and energy trading industries. He has been writing, in one capacity or another, since he could hold a pencil. As a freelance writer now, he specializes in producing articles and blog content for a variety of clients. His personal blog is at Considered Opinions Blog where he muses on many different topics.
Kelly R. Smith was a commercial carpenter for 20 years before returning to night school at the University of Houston where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science. After working at NASA for a few years, he went on to develop software for the transportation and financial and energy trading industries. He has been writing, in one capacity or another, since he could hold a pencil. As a freelance writer now, he specializes in producing articles and blog content for a variety of clients. His personal blog is at 
