Here’s another inexpensive and easy tip to implement.  Install foam gaskets around electrical outlets.  Most exterior walls are built from 2 x 4 lumber which means the walls are only 3.75 inches thick.  Your electrical boxes create a void in the wall insulation.  I have really deep electrical boxes so there is very little room behind the box and the exterior part of the wall cavity.  The void created by the box is of course uninsulated.  Foam gaskets can provide protection to the void and prevent air exchange between the void from the electrical box and the conditioned space in the house.

In addition, air can leak through the gap between the box and your sheetrock.  This can create a “chimney” effect  where conditioned air is pulled from your living space through the walls, decreasing the energy efficiency of your HVAC system.

The solution?  Foam gaskets specially designed for outlets and switches.  You can buy them very inexpensively at your local hardware or big box store.

Be sure to turn off the electricity to the rooms you will be working in.  Remove the covers from the outlets and switches, install the gaskets according to the instructions, replace the covers, then turn the electricity back on.

Photo credit:  abeall