Insulative Gaskets for Switches and Outlets

This easy and inexpensive task in the "sealing" category addresses the draft from your outlet and switch boxes.  When you remove the cover plate from your switches and outlets, you may find a significant gap between the [metal or plastic] electrical box and the drywall. These gaps--and holes in the electrical box--permit air passage from the interior of the wall and attic.  This deficiency can be addressed with a simple adhesive-backed foam gasket that adheres to the wall and seals the gaps.

For my purposes, this task is part of a larger effort to eliminate leaks so my heating and cooling systems can perform their jobs with less effort.  I purchased Air-Tite brand "decora" sealers from amazon.com.  "Decora" refers to the large rectangular paddle-style switches and outlets--the same coverplate fits a GFCI outlet.  There is a wide variety of these products that will fit your outlets and switches.

Installation is simple and requires only a flat-head screwdriver and the adhesive gaskets.  If you have any doubt about your ability to safely navigate behind the cover plate, turn off the circuit breaker before starting.

The Stick 'N' Seals arrived in an unassuming cardboard box with no plastic -- Kudos to Air-Tite for avoiding unnecessary plastic packaging!

Step 1. Remove the cover plate (revealing the electrical box and wide gaps into the wall space.

Step 2.  Peel and stick the Airtite Stick 'N' Seal.

Step 3.  Replace the cover plate.

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Going Green

At the moment, there are few houses designed to be "green" from the ground up, and not many available for sale.  The real estate market, however, is jammed with an inventory of houses built from the 1940s through the present day.  These houses were constructed to varying grades made of materials with a vast range of efficiency.

In May of 2012, I became the new owner of one such property.  It is my new home, my investment, my responsibility, and one of the most outwardly visible statements to the world about my values--how I choose to live.

Can I start with an average house on an average street in an average town, and apply innovative methods and responsible materials to bring it closer to ideal--without sacrificing modern comforts?  This is my intention.

The goals include:

• Reduction of energy expenditure
• Improve efficiency of highest energy consumers
• Employ environmentally responsible and sustainable materials for all upgrades

Many guides already exist on this topic, and I will not attempt to re-write the book.  Instead, I want to provide--with practical example--ideas that people like myself can employ to improve their homes economically and ecologically.

Posts are tagged to indicate the type of task (plumbing, HVAC, etc.) the difficulty (easy, moderate, difficult, and hire-someone), and the relative cost (inexpensive, moderate, expensive, and call-the-bank).

The United States Energy Information Administration data from 2009 shows that the average household in Florida consumes 1120kwh per year.  For starters, I think we can beat that.