Best Door Draft Stopper to Save Heating & Cooling Energy

Ian Mutuli
Updated on
Ian Mutuli

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
Get Smarter On Architecture and Design

Get the 3-minute weekly newsletter keeping 5K+ designers in the loop.

Enter your Email to Sign up

Side-bar-footer-forum

If you have experienced a dreadful door draft, then you know how it makes your home freeze during the winter or too hot in the summer, and it can also allow pests and bugs to sneak in. In addition, it can increase your energy bills as warm or cool air will leak out underneath your door. There are many door draft stoppers in the market, made of different durable materials such as polyester, silicone, or vinyl to solve this problem. These draft stoppers can also help block out unwanted colds, pests, or noise.

What is a Door Draft Stopper?

A door draft stopper is one of the most affordable and straightforward ways to ensure the cold draft stays away from your home, resulting in a slow heat loss. Door draft stoppers are insulation tools placed on the bottom of door cracks and windows, and it comes in different shapes and sizes where it stops any cold air coming in and can also trap the cool air inside. They are available in different forms, either as fabric stoppers, silicone door sweeps or vinyl rubber weather stripping.

Therefore, door draft stoppers are essential tools for your home that will help you save a lot of money by saving you a lot of costs here and there and also help to conserve energy and reduce the heating bill. Read the article to find out some of the best door draft stoppers with their pros and cons and a detailed buying guide below to help you navigate the buying process.

What is the best door draft stopper?

1. Holikme 2 Pack Door Draft Stopper

Sale
 Holikme 2 Pack Door Draft Stopper Under Door Draft... 
  • STRONG ADHESIVE 2 Pack door draft stopper , extra strong adhesive...
  • NOISE REDUCTION: The door bottom seal designed by special...
  • SAVE ENERGY: The most efficient solution to prevent the heat and...
  • ONE SIZE FIT ALL DOOR AND EASY TO INSTALL: Size: 1.9" W x 37" L ,...
  • HIGH QUALITY MATERIAL:Practical gap sealer is made of Pure...

Holikme 2 Pack Door Draft Stopper is one of the best door draft stoppers for an eco-friendly option, and the model is double-sided and fully adjustable and slides into place easily. The two-pack means you can use one on your front door to your home's main entrance and another for the back or side door and is effective as a door seal against drafts, dust and light. These door draft stoppers are made with durable rubber and thus create a flexible seal and will fit doors up to 37 inches wide, making them ideal for inward-swinging doors.

Holikme 2 Pack Door Draft Stopper includes three pliable fins, and they take the shape of the threshold and three spaces for air gaps, which improves insulation value. The draft stopper attaches with an adhesive backing which is easy to trim to the perfect size using a sharp utility knife, and the strong adhesive will keep your draft stopper in place while keeping your home cozier.

Pros:

  • Easy to install
  • High resilient and flexible
  • Durable and waterproof
  • Seals your door against drafts, light and dust
  • Extra wide-foam tubes will offer noise reduction and superior draft
  • Smart washable cotton cover that keeps the draft stopper free of dust that may cause allergies
  • Available in a variety of colors

Cons:

  • Velcro panel isn't very effective with metal doors

2. Suptikes Door Draft Stopper

Suptikes Door Draft Stopper Under Door Seal for...

Suptikes Door Draft Stopper Under Door Seal for...
  • 【NO MORE GAPS】 - 2" Width x 39" Length, Fits Gaps up to 1...
  • 【SAVE MONEY and ENERGY】- In winter and summer, draft stopper...
  • 【MULTIPLE PROTECTION】 - Guard against drafts, odors and...
  • 【FITS FOR MOST DOOR TYEPS】 - 2" W x 39" L door seal for...
  • 【EASY TO INSTALL】1)Measure the bottom of the door and cut the...

Suptikes Door Draft Stopper is the most hidden door draft stopper, and it features a low profile design and is the best option if you want something hidden to blend in with your home's decor. The door draft blocker is effective for use in houses, garages, basements, and it includes a three-layer design making it thicker and more durable than other competing models. In addition, it is simple to install and can be used on doors up to 39 inches and is designed to be used at the bottom of the door, and it will work better with larger entrances.

Suptikes Door Draft Stopper is a two-pack draft stopper giving convenience, and each stopper stands two inches high, making it perfect for doors with a gap of up to an inch between the floor and the bottom. The draft exclusion comprises three layers of silicone and has two pockets of air between them, keeping drafts, insects and dirt at bay and reducing noise transmission. The draft stopper best works to reduce drafts for renters since no drilling is needed, but if your door is uneven, you may end up with some chilly drafts where there are gaps.

Pros:

  • Keeps your home insulated and warm
  • Energy-efficient and it helps maintain your room temperature hence lessening your energy consumption and save money that might have been spent on the energy bill
  • It blocks out excess noise and keeps away insects, dust particles or pests
  • Perfectly fits a door frame of 39 inches wide and leaves no spaces or gaps
  • Easy to install as it doesn't need drilling
  • Convenient, and it moves with your door and will not need fixing every time.

Cons:

  • The self-adhesive strip may damage your paintwork when removed
  • In uneven floors or doors, you may end up with gaps

3. Twin Draft Guard Extreme For Doors 60232-DNA

Twin Draft Guard 60232-DNA Energy Saving Under Door...

Twin Draft Guard 60232-DNA Energy Saving Under Door...
  • INSULATION ALL YEAR LONG: Stay warm during winter months and cool...
  • GREAT FOR DOORS & WINDOWS: This exterior and interior door sweep...
  • SAVE ENERGY: Don’t waste energy trying to warm up a cold house...
  • USE ANYWHERE: Our double-sided insulated draft stopper can be...
  • INSULATION YOU NEED: This easy-to-install interior and exterior...

Twin Draft Guard 60232-DNA is a double-sided fabric door stopper designed to be used under doors, and it comes with a padded section on each side. This door draft stopper guarantees that drafts or heat will not enter your room thanks to the two stoppers, but it's available in single or double packs, and each may fit doors up to 36 inches wide.

Twin Draft Guard 60232-DNA has a simple all-natural installation, and you need to remove the foam tubes and cut them into the correct width for your specific door, then reinsert to place stopper at your door's edge then slide into place. It will not peel your paintwork as there are cushioned sections on either side of the panel, but if the gap beneath the door is bigger than an inch, it may simply slide off, allowing cold drafts in.

Pros:

  • Easiest installation process as you need to slide onto the door, and your work is done
  • It comes with a microfleece weather-resistant cover that is easily wipeable to clean
  • Smoothly glides over carpets or hard floors so long as the gaps are not too big.

Cons:

  • It can slide out of place for gaps bigger than 1.5 inches
  • Foam inserts may get trapped if the gap under your door is bigger than an inch

4. MAGZO Door Draft Stopper

MAGZO Door Draft Stopper 36 Inch-Gray, Under Door Noise...

MAGZO Door Draft Stopper 36 Inch-Gray, Under Door Noise...
  • [CONVENIENT DOOR SWEEP] - Soft door wind blocker filled with...
  • [MULTI-FUNCTION DOOR NOISE BLOCKER] - Supple, padded under the...
  • [LOOPS DESIGN] - Simple but elegant design; especially with two...
  • [DURABLE TO USE] - Easily remove, door strip can be quickly...
  • [EASY INSTALLATION] - Stick Hook&Loop to your door and fix it by...

MAGZO Door Draft Stopper is the best door draft blocker whether you are trying to maintain the heat during the cold winter months or the cold from the air conditioner on the hot summer days. It is a good quality door draft stopper made with polyester wadding and includes glass beads for extra weight preventing cold air from coming in.

MAGZO Door Draft Stopper has been designed well enough to move around the house as you need, and you can even carry it for travel to place it outside doors. It also comes with two hanging loops that allow you to hang it anywhere, and to use it, you will need to slide it in front of the gap in your door to cover gaps to block noise, drafts, cold air or heat.

Pros:

  • Lightweight enough to hand anywhere thanks to the loops
  • Machine washable, and you don't need to wash using your hands but with a washing machine
  • Easy to install using the Hook and Loop and pushpin on the two sides
  • The draft stopper best works for blocking sound, dust, wind or tiny insects and animals thanks to its thickness

Cons:

  • It can be lightweight and thin for some doors and may not be the best for chilly winds

5. Home Intuition 3-Feet Draft Stopper

Home Intuition 3-Feet Draft Stopper Cloth Seal Weather...

Home Intuition 3-Feet Draft Stopper Cloth Seal Weather...
  • KEEP ANY ROOM’S TEMPERATURE IN CHECK: Maintain indoor...
  • THE PERFECT MATERIAL & SIZE FOR ANY DOOR: Long enough to cover...
  • IMPENETRABLE SEALER AGAINSTS ANY ANNOYANCE: This versatile door...
  • HANGING LOOPS FOR EASY USE & STORAGE: Featuring a convenient...
  • SAVE ENERGY & MONEY 365 DAYS A YEAR: Cut down on your electricity...

Home Intuition 3-Feet Draft Stopper is a simple door draft stopper made of a fleece-covered cylinder with a built-in hanging loop on the other end. The draft stopper is made with nylon fiber, and the fleece jacket is even tighter to keep cold air out, and all you have to do is place it in front of your door to reduce noise, odors or drafts.

Home Intuition Door Draft Stopper comes with cotton bags filled with ground stone inside, and this means that once you secure your door draft stopper in place, it won't roll out of the way unless you want it to. It might be the best bang for the back for hardwood floors or sliding doors where you need to slide it back into position afterward, and its beige color will easily blend in with your decor, floor and color scheme.

Pros:

  • It is made using a good quality fabric that fits doors perfectly
  • The combination of the fleece jacket and nylon fiber filling offers excellent insulation
  • Weighted well to stay securely on your door
  • Airtight seal that also blocks dirt, bugs, cold water from the rain or noise

Cons:

  • The 35-inch length is a bit short for some doors
  • You may need to bend to move the door draft stopper out of your way when opening or closing your door.

How to Install a Door Draft Stopper?

Installing a door draft stopper is an easy task and doesn't need you to know many skills, and anyone can quickly install the door draft blocker into a position to use it. However, there are a few steps that will help you install your door seal perfectly, and they include:

  • Start with taking measurements of your door to know the size you will need to cut, then go ahead and cut the door draft stopper in the needed size
  • After you cut in the right size, simply peel the cover of the adhesive and place it to cover the gap
  • Hold the draft stopper in the required position and press it against your door to make it slightly stick
  • If it has Velcro, attach the two ends and stick it in its place

Factors to Consider Before Purchasing the Best Door Draft Stoppers

If you are still unsure which door draft stopper to opt for, use this buying guide to guide you on what to look out for.

1. Static or Mobile

The first thing to consider is whether you want your door draft stopper to move with your door or not since there are a lot of clever designs that will allow your effective draft stopper to do this. This will mean that you may get in and out of your room without moving or bending it, which is essential when installing a stopper at an emergency exit.

However, these designs may need you to carry out some installation, and you should keep this in mind. An alternative may be to get a door draft stopper that sits in front of your door, and this won't be going in and out often, and moving it now and then may not be an issue.

2. Material

Before making your purchase, you need to know the type of door you are trying to treat. For example, you will need a sturdy door stopper to handle the elements for an outside door. An outdoor facing door stopper should be made of vinyl, nylon or silicone and these materials as durable enough to face rain and snow without deteriorating.

However, if trying to keep your room cool or warm inside your room, you should opt for a soft weighted stopper. Depending on what you are looking for, you can opt for either a lightweight or heavy-duty door stopper.

3. Length and Weight

When purchasing your door draft stopper, you should consider its weight as it plays a significant role in its efficiency while performing its task. The weight matters because if it's too lightweight, it won't comfortably hold up against giant insects and chilly winds.

In addition, you need to consider the length of both your door draft stopper and your door frame. Consider how ample the space is if your stopper will fit right in terms of length, and also check if the stopper is adjustable and trimmable to fit your door size.

4. Installation

Most of the best door draft stoppers are not challenging to install, but it doesn't mean it's a breeze for everyone. If you have a draft stopper that comes with a self-adhesive strip, you should not remove it to avoid it damaging any of your paintworks. If you have a metal door, then draft stoppers with Velcro pads may not work the best, but your stopper will attach to your door, ensuring it has the right length to cover the opening. Also, if you have a door recess, ensure it's not long enough to sit flush against your entrance.

5. Durability

Durability is among the must-check factors when purchasing anything since you want to purchase a product that will last and won't break or get damaged easily. Opt for a door draft stopper that will serve you in the long run in terms where the main features that determine durability are if your draft proof seal has a different base material. A durable yet practical draft stopper will have a different base material to prevent wear and tear.

Frequently Asked Questions on the Best Door Draft Stoppers

1. What is inside a door draft stopper?

Door draft stoppers, otherwise known as dodgers or draft blockers, are simply made and are often tubes made using fabric, and they are filled with insulating foam such as microfiber, polyester or foam. In some cases, other stopper brands may add sand or gravel inside to add weight to the product and promote stability.

Other draft blockers like the silicon ones are made with pure material, and since the product can easily stay free and bend, it is among the best options in the market today.

2. Does putting a towel under the door block sound?

Yes, it might block some sound from television or music, but it won't be as effective as a door draft stopper. For the best results to block sound, it's best to use your draft blocker when you want to block any noise completely from getting into your room.

Ian Mutuli

About the author

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
Related Articles
best slow cooker

Best Slow Cooker-How I Tested Them + Tips

Having the best slow cooker is a convenience I never knew I needed till I got one. A slow cooker ...

Best Small Electric Tea Kettle

5 Best Small Electric Tea Kettle (2024 Reviews & Buying Guide)

In the last few decades, the tendency for kettles has changed from conventional stovetops to electrical kettles. The very best ...

Top 5 Best 85-Inch TVs

Large TVs are impressive, but gigantic TVs are on another level. I researched the finest 85-inch TVs to take the ...