Card 1 — The Goal
🚪 The $12 Door Sweep: Screw on a rubber door sweep set to lightly brush the floor — it blocks 10-15% of draft loss from the single leakiest spot in most homes. Measure the door and trim the sweep with scissors first.
Stop Heating the Outdoors: 5 Draft Fixes Under $15
Card 2 — Step 1
🪟 The Thermal Curtain Rule: Heavy thermal curtains, closed at sunset and opened for direct sun, can cut window heat loss by up to 25%. Mount the rod a few inches above and wider than the frame so the curtain seals against the wall.
Card 3 — Step 2
🔥 The Foil Board Boost: Foam board with aluminum foil taped to one side, slid behind the radiator foil-out. Heat reflects into the room instead of soaking into the exterior wall. Five minutes, under $5.
Card 4 — Step 3
💨 The Filter Light Test: Hold the furnace filter up to a light — can't see through it? Replace it. A clogged filter adds ~10% to heating costs. Save your filter size in your phone so reorders take ten seconds.
Card 5 — The Cheat Sheet
🕯️ The Candle Draft Map: Fans off, doors closed, walk a lit candle along windows and baseboards. Where the flame bends sideways, mark with painter's tape and seal with $6 rope caulk. Fix the actual leaks, not the guessed ones.