By Mushfi A draught excluder is a simple yet highly effective home accessory that significantly improves energy efficiency and comfort. Whether you’re aiming to lower your heating bills or maintain a cozy temperature at home, draught excluders offer an affordable solution. In this guide, we will explore the benefits of draught excluders, the various types available, installation tips, and answer frequently asked questions to help you make an informed decision.
What Is a Draught Excluder?
Also known as a draft stopper or draft blocker, a draught excluder is a device or material designed to seal gaps and cracks around doors, windows, and other openings in your home. It helps to prevent cold air from entering while keeping the warmth inside, thereby stabilizing your home’s internal temperature. This makes your living environment more comfortable and energy-efficient.
Why Use a Draught Excluder?
1. Energy Savings
The most prominent advantage of using draught excluders is the reduction in energy consumption. Gaps around doors and windows allow heat to escape, forcing your heating system to work harder and increasing energy bills. Draught excluders seal these gaps, reducing heat loss and ultimately decreasing your reliance on heating systems.
2. Increased Comfort
Draught excluders help create a consistent, comfortable temperature throughout your home by eliminating cold spots, especially during the winter. They ensure that rooms stay warmer, making your space feel cozier, particularly near doors or windows.
3. Noise Reduction
In addition to temperature regulation, draught excluders also offer soundproofing benefits. When placed around doors and windows, they reduce the amount of external noise that enters your home, creating a quieter and more peaceful environment.
4. Environmental Benefits
Reducing energy consumption not only saves money but also contributes to a greener environment. By using draught excluders, you can lower your carbon footprint by reducing the demand for heating and cooling, leading to fewer greenhouse gas emissions.
Types of Draught Excluders
Draught excluders come in various styles, each tailored to suit different needs and gaps. Here are some of the most common types:
1. Door Draught Excluders
These excluders are designed to block gaps under doors. They can be long, flexible strips or solid rolls. Some are self-adhesive, while others require nails or screws for installation. Door sweeps, which attach to the door’s bottom edge, are another popular option.
2. Window Draught Excluders
Typically made of adhesive strips, window draught excluders are placed along the frame to prevent drafts from sneaking through the edges of windows. Many include foam or rubber seals that provide a tight, effective barrier against cold air.
3. Fabric Draught Excluders
Fabric draught excluders are filled with materials such as cotton, polyester, or even rice. These are often placed at the base of doors or windows to block drafts. Not only functional, but they also come in a variety of colors and designs to complement your home décor.
4. Brush Strips
Brush strips consist of rows of soft bristles attached to door or window frames. When closed, the bristles fill the gap, preventing drafts. These are especially effective on uneven surfaces and larger gaps.
5. Foam Strips
Made from dense foam, these strips are commonly used around windows and doors. They are easy to install and work well at blocking air leaks, especially in older homes where gaps may be larger than usual.
How to Install a Draught Excluder
The installation method for draught excluders depends on the type you choose. Below are general steps for installing common types:
1. For Door Draught Excluders
Measure the Door: Measure the width of the door and the gap beneath it to ensure you select the correct size.
Choose the Excluder: Pick a door draught excluder that matches your needs, whether it’s a fabric roll, foam strip, or door sweep.
Install the Excluder: For fabric draught excluders, simply place them at the door’s base. For door sweeps, attach them using screws or adhesive, depending on the model.
2. For Window Draught Excluders
Clean the Surface: Ensure the area around the window frame is clean for proper adhesion.
Cut the Excluder to Size: Measure the window’s perimeter and cut the draught excluder to fit.
Attach the Excluder: Peel off the adhesive backing and stick the draught excluder along the frame, pressing firmly for a secure fit.
3. For Brush or Foam Strips
Measure the Gap: Measure the gap around the door or window to select the correct size.
Apply the Strip: Attach the strip along the edges, ensuring it seals tightly when the door or window is closed.
How to Maintain Draught Excluders
While draught excluders are low maintenance, there are a few ways to keep them working effectively:
Regular Cleaning: Vacuum or wash fabric draught excluders regularly (if machine washable). Clean foam or brush strips to prevent dust buildup.
Inspect for Damage: Check for any wear or damage and replace sections that are no longer effective.
Adjust for Seasonal Changes: Depending on the season, you may need to add extra layers or replace old draught excluders to ensure maximum efficiency.
To Conclude
Draught excluders are an affordable, practical investment that offers numerous benefits, including energy savings, increased comfort, noise reduction, and environmental impact. Whether you’re looking to keep your home warmer in the winter or cooler in the summer, draught excluders are an easy and effective solution. With various types available, you can find the perfect fit for your needs and enhance the comfort and efficiency of your home.
By incorporating draught excluders into your home, you’ll be taking a simple step toward reducing your energy consumption, lowering your heating bills, and creating a more sustainable, eco-friendly living space.
FAQs:-
1. Do Draught Excluders Save Money?
Yes! Draught excluders can help save up to 20% on your energy bills by preventing heat loss. By keeping the warmth inside, your heating system won’t have to work as hard, which results in lower fuel costs.
2. How Long Do Draught Excluders Last?
The lifespan of a draught excluder depends on the material. Fabric models may need replacing every few years, while foam and brush strips can last much longer with proper care. Regularly inspect them for wear and tear to maintain their efficiency.
3. Can Draught Excluders Help in Summer?
Yes, draught excluders are beneficial in summer too. They can help keep cool air inside when you’re using air conditioning, preventing it from escaping through gaps, and maintaining a stable indoor temperature.
4. Can Draught Excluders Be Used on All Types of Doors?
Yes, draught excluders are suitable for most door types, including wooden, metal, and uPVC doors. For particularly large gaps, you may need a thicker or specialized draught excluder.
5. Are Draught Excluders Good for Older Homes?
Absolutely! Older homes often have more significant gaps due to wear and age, making draught excluders especially beneficial. They help reduce drafts and improve energy efficiency in homes with aged windows and doors.
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