If your local utility or a conservation nonprofit has given you an energy conservation kit, installation of the various components may be on your mind. Most of the items that come in an energy conservation kit — like LED bulbs — are simple to use and install. But some energy-efficient items do require installation, and while installation is rarely complex, there are a few best practices to be aware of.
This article will discuss three items commonly found in an energy conservation kit — foam weather stripping, shrink and seal window insulation, and foam light switch gaskets — and give you step-by-step instructions on how to install them properly. With a few simple tips and some very basic tools, you’ll be saving energy in no time.
Foam Weather Stripping
Weather stripping is included in almost every energy conservation kit distributed to residential customers, and it can do a lot to help seal doors and windows to prevent drafts. Whether you’re trying to keep cool air in during the summer, or cold air out during the winter, drafts are the enemy of anyone interested in saving energy.
Sealing your home is one of the best ways to conserve energy and save money. Sealing your home properly can actually save you as much as 20 percent on your home energy costs, mostly in the form of electricity savings.
Follow the steps below to easily add extra protection to your doors and windows.
Materials You’ll Need:
- Foam weatherstripping (self-adhesive)
- Scissors or utility knife
- Measuring tape
- Clean cloth
- Rubbing alcohol or mild detergent (for cleaning surfaces)
Steps for Installation:
- Measure the Lengths:
Windows: Measure the height and width of the window frame where you want to install the weatherstripping.
Doors: Measure the sides and top of the door frame. - Clean the Surface:
Clean the window or door frame with a cloth and rubbing alcohol or a mild detergent. Make sure the surface is free of dust, dirt, and debris to ensure the adhesive sticks well. - Cut the Foam Strips:
Cut the foam weatherstripping to the appropriate lengths using scissors or a utility knife. - Apply the Foam Strips:
Peel off a small section of the adhesive backing. Start at one end of the window or door frame, and press the weatherstripping firmly into place as you go. Work slowly and peel off more of the backing as needed to keep the adhesive strip clean and aligned. Press the foam into the frame with firm, even pressure to ensure a good seal. - Test the Door or Window:
Close the door or window to ensure it shuts properly with the foam in place. If it’s difficult to close or the weatherstripping is too thick, you may need to trim or choose a thinner type of foam.
This simple process should improve energy efficiency by sealing drafts and reducing airflow around doors and windows.
Shrink and Seal Window Insulation
Shrink and seal insulation for windows is another item commonly included in conservation kits distributed to residential customers.
Here’s a guide for installing shrink-and-seal window insulation, which can improve energy efficiency by creating an additional airtight barrier over windows:
Materials You’ll Need:
- Window insulation kit (includes plastic film and double-sided tape)
- Scissors or utility knife
- Measuring tape
- Hairdryer
- Clean cloth
- Rubbing alcohol or mild detergent (for cleaning the window frame)
Steps for Installation:
- Measure the Window:
Measure the dimensions of the window frame (height and width) where you want to apply the plastic film.
- Clean the Window Frame:
Clean the window frame with a cloth and rubbing alcohol or a mild detergent to remove any dust, dirt, or grease. - Apply Double-Sided Tape:
Attach the double-sided tape from the kit around the edges of the window frame. Stick it to the window frame or the trim around the window, depending on the type of seal you need. Press the tape firmly to ensure it sticks well. - Cut the Plastic Film:
Cut the plastic film to size, leaving a few extra inches on each side to ensure complete coverage of the window frame. - Apply the Plastic Film:
Peel off the backing from the double-sided tape. Carefully start at the top of the window and press the plastic film onto the tape, smoothing it down as you go. - Shrink the Plastic Film:
Use a hairdryer on a low or medium heat setting to shrink the plastic film and remove any wrinkles. Hold the hairdryer about 4-6 inches from the surface of the film and move it steadily across the surface. - Trim Excess Film:
Once the film is securely in place and has been shrunk to fit the window, use scissors or a utility knife to trim any excess plastic from the edges. - Inspect the Seal:
Check the film for any areas that may not have adhered well or for small gaps, and press down firmly to seal them. Make sure the film is clear and taut, and that the window closes properly.
This shrink-and-seal method is an inexpensive way to reduce drafts and save on energy costs during colder months.
Hot Water Temperature Card
A hot water temperature card is an easy tool to use to check whether you’re wasting energy — or creating a risk of scalding — by overheating your water.
Materials Needed:
- Hot water temperature card
- Mug
Steps:
- Turn on the hot water only on your tap, and allow it to reach maximum temperature.
- Fill a mug with at least 3” of hot water.
- Submerge the black strip on the card in the hot water.
- A number will appear on the black strip.
If the number is in green, that is the temperature of your water. If the number is blue, your water is above the temperature displayed. If the number is tan, your water is below the temperature displayed. If the card shows a number in black, your water is hotter than 150 degrees.
The recommended temperature for hot water is 120 degrees. Water above 150 degrees can pose a risk of scalding.
Foam Light Switch Gaskets
Foam light switch gaskets are an often-overlooked way to help reduce drafts in your home. The insides of walls can be a source of drafts, but adding a simple foam gasket can prevent energy loss.
Here’s a step-by-step guide for installing foam outlet and light switch gaskets, which help reduce drafts and improve insulation:
Materials Needed:
- Foam outlet or light switch gaskets
- Screwdriver
- Utility knife or scissors
- Outlet/switch cover plates
- Clean cloth
Steps:
- Turn Off the Power:
Safety first! Turn off the power to the outlet or switch at the breaker box to avoid any risk of electric shock while working. - Remove the Outlet or Switch Cover:
Use a screwdriver to remove the screws holding the cover plate in place over the outlet or light switch. Carefully pull off the cover plate and set it aside. Clean the area thoroughly - Install the Foam Gasket:
Take the foam gasket and align it with the outlet or switch. Most gaskets are pre-cut to fit standard outlets or switches, but if needed, trim the gasket with a utility knife or scissors to fit your specific cover size. Place the gasket over the outlet or switch so it fits snugly against the wall. - Replace the Outlet or Switch Cover:
Once the gasket is in place, position the cover plate back over the outlet or switch. Insert the screws and tighten them until the cover plate is secure but not overly tight (to avoid cracking the cover). - Turn the Power Back On:
Go back to the breaker box and restore power to the outlet or switch. - Test the Outlet or Switch:
Test the outlet or light switch to ensure it is functioning properly. Check to see if the gasket creates a snug fit with no visible gaps around the outlet or switch.
Maintenance and Tips:
If you notice any significant gaps around the cover plates after installation, you can use caulk around the edges of the cover plate for extra insulation. Regularly inspect the gaskets for wear and replace them if they become damaged over time.
Installing foam gaskets is an easy and inexpensive way to prevent drafts through outlets and switches, especially in exterior walls, helping improve overall home energy efficiency.
Furnace Filter Whistle
A clogged furnace filter can make your furnace less efficient, wasting energy. A furnace filter whistle can be installed in seconds, and will help you remember to regularly change your filter.
Materials Needed:
- Furnace filter whistle
- Furnace filter
Steps:
- Locate the filter on your furnace. Remove the old filter and recycle if possible.
- Your furnace filter whistle has two components, a large bottom piece and a smaller top piece. Separate the two pieces.
- With the fabric of the filter in between, press the two pieces together until they lock into place. The larger piece should go on the side of your filter that air is flowing fromAs the filter becomes clogged, pressure builds up, eventually triggering the whistle. You can reuse the whistle with every new filter. See the short video below for a demonstration.
Time Well Spent
With minimal time and effort, you can easily install components that can make a real difference in your energy use. If your utility company hasn’t sent you a conservation kit, check out our selection of affordable kits. Now that you know how to install some of the most common components, you can start saving right away.