Last updated on March 10th, 2024 at 03:43 pm

I am all about saving money, and one frosty morning I discovered that one of my window panes was rather draft. Turns out that window had come loose and was longer in close contact with the bototm of the window sill. When this happens, the best course of action is usually to use foam tape or something similar in the interim until the window can be repair or replaced.

I did not have foam tape on hand, so I went searching through my house for something that could insulate “good enough” until I could make it to the store to buy foam tape, or perhaps keep it until the window could be repaired.

Thats when I ran across some thick felt in a sewing basket. Turns out that if you roll up the felt and compress it, it forms a relatively decent insulation in gaps such as the one created by my faulty window.

Problem solved.

But that started me wondering…is there somewhere else I could use the felt as well? Were there any other annoying cracks or gaps that needed to be plugged?

Another great place for felt is in the area between window panes, where the lock is. On older windows (or any window where a window AC unit has slightly warped the window or bent it out of place) this tends to be a problem. Placing a layer of felt in the gap is easy, effective, and easily removed. This is a bonus in all months, including if you use window a/c units in place of the the foam that often comes with the A/C unit but falls apart after a few years of usage.

Additionally, if you have a door that remains closed seasonally (such as one that goes to a deck or backyard) felt is a great, thin insulator that can effectively plug gaps on the sides where gaps might exist.

It is also possible to tape, glue, or staple felt on doors that are opened or used regularly. If you find drafts are coming into your home through the doors (often through the bottom or latch side) felt is an excellent choice to plug the gap because:

• it is removeable
• it is thin ,yet dense (excellent for insulation) so it can fit into tight areas
• it can be trimmed to any size
• it can be permanent
• it is inexpensive
• you can find it in a fabric store, department store, or hobby shop

Unfortunately, felt can also wear down over time. And in time, felt may become thin with constant wear, so it may need replacing. Felt also can be torn if it is in the way or it may come loose. So you have to watch it carefully and make adjustments.

Still, felt is an excellent choice for temporary or more permanent insulation which is inexpensive and efficient.