The Department of Energy tells us warm air leaking into your home during the summer and out of your home in the winter can waste a substantial portion of your energy dollars. You can save at least 10% on your energy bill by reducing those air leaks at the doors to your house, and it’s one of the easiest and least expensive projects you can do.
It’s a two-part job working on the door. First, install weatherstripping around the perimeter of the door and then add a door sweep to the bottom of the door; both steps are effective ways to stop drafts and seal gaps that leak air. We like bronze door weatherstripping, but you’ll also find the material that is wrapped foam with a metal or wood flange, which is easier to install than the bronze material. A door sweep seals gaps between the bottom of the door and the threshold keeping out air and insects. Choose one made of the door material and install with screws.
A carpenter or handyman will charge $145 to remove and replace a door’s weatherstripping and install a door sweep, but you can buy the materials for $70, do it yourself and save 52%. For tools you’ll need a tape measure, hacksaw, hammer, drill and screwdriver. No matter who does the job, you’re the winner with lower energy bills for years to come.
To find more DIY project costs and to post comments and questions, visit www.diyornot.com.
Pro Cost — DIY Cost — Pro time — DIY Time — DIY Savings — Percent Saved
$145 — $70 — 1.0 — 1.5 — $75 — 52%
