Last updated on March 10th, 2024 at 03:30 pm

I was a little surprised by this one, and you might be too.

Try this: Go to a light switch on a wall opposite the outdoors. A hallway would be a good example. Take your hand, and feel if there is cold air blowing through.

Feel anything?

Now try removing the faceplate.

I couldn’t believe the amount of cold air blowing through even on a calm (but cold) day! On a windy days its very noticeable.

Fortunately the fix is simple and relatively inexpensive. Once again, at your local home improvement store they sell gaskets or precut insulation for light switches and outlets. Give these a try.

Installation is very straight forward. Just fit it under the outlet cover or faceplate.

The problem may exist in other switches and outlets as well, so don’t just stop with ones near the outdoors. Check out as many as you can.

Caution: Always, always use care when working around live outlets. Never allow the screwdriver to touch the wires unless the power is off.