Buyer's Guide: Best Under Door Draft Stoppers for Your Home
Understanding Door Drafts
Before deciding on a draft stopper, it's important to understand why drafts occur in the first place. Drafts happen when outside air enters your home through gaps or cracks around your doors. This can happen even if your door is closed, and it can cause your heating and cooling systems to work harder than necessary, leading to higher energy bills.
Identifying the Source of the Draft
The first step in choosing a draft stopper is to identify where the draft is coming from. This will help you determine the type of draft stopper you need. Here are a few ways to find the source of the draft:
- Hold a lit candle or incense stick near the bottom of the door and watch for movement in the flame or smoke. This will show you where the air is coming in.
- Use your hand to feel for cold air coming in around the door.
- Use a draft detector or anemometer to measure the air flow around the door.
Once you've identified the source of the draft, you can move on to choosing the right draft stopper.
Choosing the Right Size and Style
There are many different types of draft stoppers available, and it's important to choose one that will fit your door properly and block the draft. Here are a few factors to consider when choosing a draft stopper:
- Measure the width of your door to determine the right size of draft stopper. Most draft stoppers are designed to fit standard doors, but some are available in different sizes.
- Consider the style of your door and the decor of your home when choosing a draft stopper. There are many different styles available, including those that match the color of your door and those that add a decorative touch to your entryway.
- Choose a draft stopper that will block the draft without making it difficult to open and close the door. Some draft stoppers are designed to be easily removable, while others are permanently installed.
Types of Draft Stoppers
There are several different types of draft stoppers available, and each has its own unique benefits and drawbacks. Here are a few of the most common types:
- Door snake draft stoppers are long, flexible tubes that are placed along the bottom of the door to block drafts. These are a good option for doors with uneven floors, as they can easily conform to the shape of the door.
- Door sweep draft stoppers are long strips of rubber or plastic that are attached to the bottom of the door. These create a tight seal along the floor to block drafts.
- Door bottom seal draft stoppers are long strips of rubber or plastic that are attached to the bottom of the door and the floor. These create a tight seal along the bottom of the door to block drafts.
Conclusion
Choosing the right draft stopper can help keep your home warm and energy-efficient. By understanding the source of the draft, choosing the right size and style, and considering the different types of draft stoppers available, you can find the perfect draft stopper for your door.