Dinogy - Energy Blog » Energy Savings Tip: Insulate your Outlets

Last time I was in the hardware store I noticed electrical outlet sealers on display with the weather stripping and other insulation supplies. It had never occurred to me until then, but electrical outlets could be a big source of heat loss (especially in older homes) because they are basically a hole in the wall (as you can see in the picture).

That makes electrical outlets a great candidate for insulation. So I picked up a 14 pack of FrostKing electric outlet sealers (these are what I am holding in the picture) for $2.17. The pack included 8 outlet sealers, 4 switch sealers, and 2 other sealers.

Installation of these couldn't be easier:

1. Make sure power is turned off
2. Unscrew your electrical outlet cover
3. Pop out the holes in the perferated foam insulators
4. Place the insulator around the fixture
5. Screw your outlet cover back on
6. Turn your electricity back on

The outlet insulators that I bought said that they are made from "fire retardant plastic foam" you might want to look for that when you buy them.