Air leaks allow conditioned air to escape and outside air to enter, wasting energy year-round. Renters often can't make permanent repairs, but many effective draft-sealing solutions are temporary and removable.
Finding Drafts
Common Locations
Check these areas for air leaks:
- Around window frames
- Around door frames
- Under doors (especially exterior doors)
- Around window air conditioners
- Around electrical outlets on exterior walls
- Around pipes and cables entering the home
Detection Methods
- Hand test: Feel for moving air on a cold day
- Candle or incense: Smoke or flame flickers near leaks
- Tissue paper: Held near gaps, will move if air is flowing
- On windy days: Leaks are more noticeable
Door Drafts
Under-Door Gaps
The gap under doors is often the biggest source of drafts:
- Door sweeps: Attach to bottom of door to seal gap (some are adhesive-mounted)
- Draft snakes: Fabric tubes placed against the bottom of the door
- Twin draft stoppers: Slide under door, seal both sides
Around Door Frames
- Foam tape: Adhesive-backed foam compresses when door closes
- V-strip weatherstripping: Creates seal as door closes
- Rope caulk: Presses into gaps, removes cleanly
Window Drafts
Around Window Frames
- Rope caulk: Putty-like material presses into gaps; peels off later
- Removable caulk: Seals gaps, pulls off clean in spring
- Foam tape: For gaps where window meets frame
Through the Glass
Windows themselves conduct heat, not just gaps around them:
- Window insulation film: Creates insulating air pocket
- Thermal curtains: Heavy curtains reduce heat transfer
- See our window efficiency guide
Window Air Conditioners
If AC units stay installed year-round:
- Cover with insulated AC cover (indoor or outdoor)
- Seal accordion panels with foam tape
- Fill gaps around the unit
- Better yet: remove units for winter if possible
Other Leak Sources
Electrical Outlets
Outlets on exterior walls can allow air infiltration:
- Foam outlet gaskets fit behind the cover plate
- Child safety plugs reduce airflow through unused outlets
- Easy to install and remove
Pipe and Cable Penetrations
Where utilities enter:
- Rope caulk around gaps
- Foam sealant (if landlord permits)
- Report large gaps to landlord for proper sealing
Renter-Friendly Products
Temporary and Removable
- Rope caulk: Putty-like, peels off, reusable
- Removable caulk: Seals gaps, removes clean
- Foam tape: Adhesive may leave residue—test first
- Window film kits: Temporary for heating season
- Draft snakes: No attachment needed
What to Avoid
- Permanent caulk (without landlord permission)
- Products that require drilling or screwing
- Anything that could damage paint or finishes
Working with Landlords
For serious draft problems:
- Document drafts with photos or videos
- Report to landlord in writing
- In many places, landlords must maintain weatherization
- Some landlords will provide or allow weatherstripping
- Significant drafts may be a habitability issue
The Door Test
Close a door on a piece of paper. If the paper slides out easily, the door isn't sealing well. If you can see light around a closed exterior door, air is definitely getting through. These simple tests help identify which doors need attention first.