Light Switch Gaskets

Unscrew  and take off every outlet and light switch cover on the exterior walls (the ones against outside walls).  Then put a foam gasket underneath the cover.  The foam gaskets are pre-cut for either light switches or outlets, so poke out the parts in the center so the gasket will fit over the working parts and the outlet or light-switch can work normally.

Then put the cover back on and screw it back into place.

Remember the current will be live, so make sure the volunteers understand they can’t stick a screwdriver or their wet tongue on anything that might have a charge.  You should turn off the power to the house before doing this if you’re being extra careful but since there are a lot of people in the house trying to do work, this is impossible to do.

The reason to put on these gaskets is that the electrical box or light switch takes up a lot of space in the wall where there should be insulation.  With the wires running to the box, there is sometimes a clear hole through the insulation and the outside wall to where the box is. The foam gasket cuts off a lot of the air flow through here.   They only cost about 10 cents each and can sometimes cut down air infiltration by up to 15%.