Electric Outlets and Switches - (Project, cheap)

One of the primary uses of home energy is environmental control. (Heating and cooling makes up 46% - 56% of the home energy budget according to the US Department of Energy.) There are several places that this conditioned air can be lost. Insulation makes up a portion of this, but holes in the barriers between inside and outside are a large part too. Sealing these holes not only saves money, but also can help in isolating the home from outside noise penetration. This project is one of the cheapest - only a few bucks - but it helps close this barrier.

Basically, every hole in the wall for switch plates, electric outlets, phone jacks, network jacks, speaker cable jacks, and/or cable TV outlets is a way for inside air to mingle with attic or outside air. Closing these holes is equivalent to closing a window that is open 24 hours a day. To combat these holes, install foam rubber gaskets behind every cover for every hole in the wall.

These gaskets can be picked up at any Home Depot or Lowes for about $0.25 or less each. There are two models - one for electric outlets and one for light switches. Cut them to fit other types of jacks. They are simple to install - unscrew the outlet plates, slip the gasket on, and screw the plate back on. To see how these are installed, take a look at this article at siliconvalleypower.com .

Once you have installed the gaskets, install child safety plugs in each electrical outlet that isn't in use. Not only will they assist in keeping children safe, but they stop air from moving through the electric outlets.