Sealing Leaks in Electrical Outlets or Switches: Install insulating gaskets to prevent drafts

Our Answer

Actually, outlet air leaks are a very common problem! The outside walls of most homes are chock-full of holes, just like Swiss cheese, and it is a constant battle to identify them and seal them up. In this case, we recommend that you install outlet or switch gaskets. These are very inexpensive pieces of foam insulation that fit under the cover plate and around the outlet or light switch. Once you install the gasket and replace the outlet cover plate, the gasket will be invisible and the outlet air leaks and drafts will be gone.