Draught proofing seals the small gaps around your home that let outside air in and let warm or cool air out. It is a simple, low cost way to make your home more comfortable and cut your heating and cooling bills. It is one of the upgrades you may be able to choose through Home Energy Saver discounts.
Key features
- Seals gaps around doors, windows, vents and other openings.
- Reduces heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer.
- Helps keep out dust, noise and insects.
- A low cost upgrade with year round benefit.
How it works
Draughts are currents of air that move in and out of your home through gaps around doors, windows, floorboards, skirting boards, vents, exhaust fans, and where pipes and cables pass through walls. Draught proofing seals these gaps using materials such as weather strips, door seals, gap fillers and vent covers, so less of your warm or cool air escapes. Through Home Energy Saver discounts, an Approved Supplier carries out the sealing work for you.
A few key facts
- Savings: sealing gaps may reduce heat loss by around 15% to 25%.
- Signs of draughts: rattling or whistling in windy weather, curtains that move, or a breeze you can feel near doors and windows.
- Works best combined with insulation.
Is it right for your home?
Draught proofing may suit your home if you:
- feel draughts around doors, windows or vents
- have an older home with gaps or unsealed vents
- want a low cost way to improve comfort and cut heating and cooling bills.
Note: Some ventilation is needed for safety. Vents that serve unflued gas heaters or other appliances that need airflow are not sealed. Your electrical and safety assessment confirms what can be sealed safely.
What's covered by Home Energy Saver discounts
Draught proofing is carried out as sealing work rather than chosen from a product list. The works below can be included, and the exact works for your home are confirmed at your electrical and safety assessment.
| Sealing work | Measured by |
|---|---|
| External door, perimeter (head and two jambs) | per door |
| External door, bottom | per door |
| Window closures | per window |
| Sealing gaps around windows, door frames, walls, floors, ceilings and other penetrations | per metre |
| Sealing gaps in the building envelope | per metre |
| Exhaust fan damper | each |
| Exhaust fan with built-in damper, replacing an existing fan | each |
Related articles
- Ceiling insulation
- Choosing what's right for your home
- How much will I pay? Your contribution explained
- Your electrical and safety assessment and Quote
Home Energy Saver discounts are funded by the NSW Government and delivered by Creditex.