Insulate Electrical Outlets and Switches to Save Money

A simple way to save money on your heating and cooling costs is to insulate electrical outlets and switches throughout your home. People often weather strip around doors and windows, but seldom consider the switches and outlets. Switches and outlets are nothing than holes in your walls with wires. Hold your hand against an outlet or light switch along an outer wall of your home. The cold air in the winter or warm air in the summers is coming through these receptacles. Take the time to insulate electrical outlets and switches and complete the weather stripping of your home.

Purchase The Foam Inserts

Pre-cut foam weatherstrip is available at home improvement centers and hardware stores. Go through each room of your house and write down the number and type of switches and outlets you have. Note how many single and double light switches you have. Purchase the quantity of outlet weatherstrip you need with the correct number of holes to accommodate double switches as well as single and double outlets. You can also purchase a small package of insulation to fill in any large gaps that may be between the junction box in the wall and the surrounding area.

Turn Off The Power

Before you insulate the electrical outlets and switches, turn off the power to the wall you are working on to avoid accidental shocks. Most homes have circuit breakers that either control a wall or an entire room. Find the circuit breaker inside your home electrical box and turn it off. Operate a light switch or plug in a lamp to ensure the power is off to the area you will be working.

Insulate The Plates

Remove the screws securing the outlet plate or light switch cover to the wall with a flat-head screwdriver. Pull the plate away from the wall and inspect the junction box. The junction box is the box behind the wall that the switch or outlet connects and houses the wires. Fill any gaps between the inside of the wall and the junction box with pieces of insulation.

Place the outlet plate or switch plate cover face down on a flat surface. Position the proper insulating foam insert over the inside of the plate, with the tacky side toward the plate. The foam might overlap around the outer edges and the inside hole for the outlet or switch. Center the foam as much as possible. Position the plate back over the outlet or switch and secure it to the wall with the retaining screw.

Continue this process throughout your home, ensuring the power is of to the area you are working. You will feel the difference when you operate a switch and do not feel the outside air. You feel the difference in your wallet when the following months heating and cooling bill comes. As you are planning your weatherstripping needs for your home, be sure to plan to also insulate electrical outlets and switches.