DIY Draft Stoppers to Save on Energy Bills

Cold air slipping in under your doors? Drafty windows wasting your heat? You don’t need expensive fixes to make your home cozy and energy-efficient. With a few simple materials and easy DIY techniques, you can create draft stoppers that save on energy bills and keep your space comfortable all year long.

Drafts aren’t just a nuisance—they cost money. Gaps under doors or around windows allow warm air to escape in winter and cool air to leak in summer, increasing your energy bills.

Benefits of using draft stoppers:

• Reduce heating and cooling costs

• Improve indoor comfort year-round

• Block dust, pollen, and insects

• Eco-friendly and budget-friendly solution

A simple DIY draft stopper is often all it takes to make a noticeable difference in your energy efficiency.

Materials You’ll Need

Creating your own draft stoppers doesn’t require expensive tools or complicated materials. Here’s a quick list:

• Fabric (cotton, fleece, denim, or leftover scraps)

• Filling material (rice, beans, sand, or polyester stuffing)

• Needle and thread or a sewing machine

• Scissors

• Pins or fabric clips

• Optional: buttons, ribbons, or decorative trims for style

Most materials can be found around the house or purchased inexpensively, making this a low-cost project.

DIY Draft Stopper: Classic Door Snake

The classic door snake is a tried-and-true way to block drafts at the base of your door.

Steps:

1. Measure your door width to ensure the draft stopper fits perfectly.

2. Cut your fabric slightly longer than the door width.

3. Sew a tube, leaving one end open.

4. Fill with your chosen material (rice, sand, or beans work well).

5. Sew the open end closed and trim any excess.

6. Place the draft stopper along the bottom of your door.

This simple DIY solution reduces drafts immediately, keeping your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer.

DIY Draft Stopper: Decorative Option

Draft stoppers don’t have to be plain. You can make them stylish while functional:

• Use patterned or colorful fabric to match your décor.

• Add decorative buttons or ribbon ties.

• Sew two smaller tubes together for a modern, segmented look.

This way, your draft stopper doubles as a decorative accent while saving energy.

DIY Window Draft Stoppers

Windows are another common source of drafts, especially older or single-pane models.

Methods:

• Foam or fabric tubes: Fit snugly along the bottom of the window sash.

• Fabric rolls: Create a tube filled with rice or beans and place it along the sill.

• Temporary insulating film: Combine with your draft stopper for extra efficiency.

DIY window draft stoppers are ideal for renters or anyone looking for non-permanent solutions that still deliver energy savings.

Alternative Fillings for DIY Draft Stoppers

Different fillings provide different benefits:

• Rice: Affordable and easy to adjust.

• Sand: Heavier, keeps stoppers in place.

• Polyester stuffing: Soft, lightweight, perfect for decorative stoppers.

• Beans or pellets: Eco-friendly and reusable.

Choose the material based on where you’ll use the draft stopper and the weight you prefer.

Tips for Maximum Efficiency

• Measure carefully to ensure a snug fit.

• Place stoppers at all draft-prone areas, including doors, sliding glass doors, and windows.

• Wash or replace fabric covers periodically to maintain cleanliness.

• Combine draft stoppers with weatherstripping or caulking for the best energy savings.

Even small adjustments make a noticeable difference on energy bills.

Final Thoughts

DIY draft stoppers are a simple, budget-friendly way to improve home comfort and reduce energy costs. Whether you choose a classic door snake, a decorative tube, or window draft stoppers, the benefits are immediate and long-lasting.

By taking a few hours to craft these simple solutions, you’ll enjoy:

• Reduced heating and cooling bills

• Fewer drafts and a cozier home

• Fun and creative DIY satisfaction

Start with one door or window this weekend—you’ll be amazed at the difference even a small draft stopper can make.