How to minimize cold air in living space
Hi there, we just moved to a small home in which the front door opens directly into an open-concept living space o 450 sq ft. We are in the Midwest, and I'm concerned with the upcoming winter about cold air coming in through the front door. Any ideas to minimize?
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Make sure the door seals tight and that the weather stripping is in place. How long does it normally take to go in or out? Heat loss from opening the door to let someone in is minimal. Do you have other points of entry?
You can build a half wall or what they call a pony wall, cold air sinks, so it will block the cold air from creeping into the room
https://www.hgtv.com/videos/pony-wall-79098
Had same issue. Lined door frame with sticky backed foam ribbon, white from hardware store. Hung a lined curtain from a rod placed just below ceiling and slightly bunched as it reaches the floor. Extend the rod well beyond the door on one side so curtain can gather there when not needed. Pretty fabric and tie back can look very decorative.
Put new weather sealing in around the door frame. A lot of people put a door sweep on the bottom of their doors to help keep cold air out. You could install a storm door on the outside. A storm door creates a dead air space between your front door and the outside. Check into a tax credits for energy efficiency improvements. If you are going to spend some money to make your home air tight you might as well benefit from that expense so see if you qualify.
Is it just the one door between the inside and outside? Although it should be to code that houses built in the mid-west all have storm doors, unfortunately many still do not. Even installing an additional insulated partly screened door on the exterior will contribute to less heat loss from the interior of your home.
Thanks everyone for the ideas! Much appreciated.