A draft can quickly cool a house, no matter how well your heating system is running. If you’ve ever wondered why your house is so drafty, the causes are easy to determine. Solutions can be as simple as adding foam insulation or installing an outlet seal.

Here are 10 solutions from contractors and weatherization experts for repairing a drafty home.

Outlet Leaks

Electrical outlets are hidden causes of drafts, says Randi Bujnovsky of Duck Brand, a supplier of weatherproofing products.

Fix it

Outlet seals are a simple, quick fix, and you don’t need to be an electrician to install them, says Bujnovsky.

“Just put one behind the outlet or the outer cover of the switch faceplate to get a good fit between the wall and the faceplate, stopping drafts,” says Bujnovsky.

Want more tips and inspiration for your home renovation project? Sign up for our free daily newsletter for the latest how-tos, reno guides and more!

Gapped Floorboards

Drafts can seep in between gaps in floorboards, says contractor Docia Boylen. This is a common problem in older houses with empty floorboards or inadequate flooring.

Fix it

The solution to drafty floorboards is to add rugs, says Boylen. Carpets are instant insulation that take minutes to unroll.

Leaky Penetrations

Houses are pierced by a variety of penetrations, including outdoor water faucets, bathroom exhaust pipes, chimneys, chimneys and wires.

Many drafts come from improperly sealed vents, says Glenn Gault of Gault Heating & Cooling. They often remain unsealed during construction or the sealant has failed.

Fix it

Apply caulk or low-expansion foam insulation around larger openings where pipes or wires enter the wall.

Failed Insulation

Bad insulation installation can lead to drafts, according to Andrew LeggeCEO of sustainable insulation company Havelock Wool.

The insulation may be the wrong size for the wall cavity. Or, the vapor barrier may be improperly attached to the studs – or detached.

Fix it

One solution, Legge says, is to add insulation in places that are easily accessible: attics, crawl spaces and exposed walls.

For blown-in insulation in closed walls, have a professional add more insulation on top of the existing insulation.

Windows and doors

Doors and windows are one of the most common sources of drafts, says Bujnovsky.

Fix it

“By installing draft seals, homeowners can easily insulate their home and stop drafts,” says Bujnovsky.

This simple solution can have a dramatic impact on high energy bills, as it limits energy waste and minimizes the need to constantly adjust the thermostat upwards.

Attic Leaks

The attic is a major source of heat loss, says Gault. Heated air passes upwards through a poorly insulated or closed attic. Drafts can also pass downwards.

Fix it

“Go into the attic and look for openings around light fixtures, vents, and wires,” says Gault. Stop drafts by applying caulk or expanding foam to close these gaps from above.

Open the flap

The chimney quickly carries the smoke up and away from the house. It can do the reverse by bringing outside drafts into the house.

The problem may be that the fireplace damper is not closed or does not seal properly.

Fix it

Make sure the flap is closed, says Boylen. It is easy to forget that the damper is open after the fire is out.

If the damper is closed but still leaking, install a chimney balloon. A chimney balloon is an inflatable device that seals off the chimney and costs $25 to $45.

Recessed Lights

Recessed lights are a pathway for drafts in the home, according to Gault.

Recessed lights penetrate the ceiling, and the attic is usually less drafty and cooler than the level below.

Fix it

Install insulated, airtight covers directly over the appliances in the attic, says Gault. Or, install recessed lights labeled IC (Insulating Contact) so you can safely place attic insulation over the lights.

Empty water traps

Drafts can come from an unexpected source: sinks, showers, bathtubs or toilets. If the drafts smell faintly of sewage, it is likely that the drain siphons lack water.

The purpose of a drain trap is to create a water seal to prevent sewer gases from entering the home. Water may evaporate from the siphon if the device is not used for a while.

Fix it

Flush the toilet to fill the trap. For sinks, bathtubs and showers, run the water for about a minute to fill the siphon.

House Settling

“Older homes often have drafts because the foundation settles over time,” says Gault. “This creates cracks in the walls and around windows and doors, letting in cold air.”

Fix it

To fix drafts due to subsidence in the home, seal cracks in the foundation with flexible caulk and use expanding foam for large gaps.