# 24 Air Sealing and Weatherstripping Statistics: Heat Loss, Costs and Rebates (2026)

24 cited air sealing and weatherstripping statistics for 2026: heat lost to drafts, Ontario air sealing costs, door weatherstripping prices and Home Renovation Savings rebates.

_Source: https://www.prohousemaintenance.com/blog/air-sealing-statistics/_

- **Author:** [Pro House Maintenance Editorial Team](https://www.prohousemaintenance.com/about/)
- **Published:** 2026-10-23

Cited data on how much heat a Canadian home loses to air leaks, what drafts cost by house age, what Ontario air sealing and door weatherstripping cost, how many households do the work and which rebates still apply in 2026.

**Air leakage accounts for about 20% to 30% of the heat lost from an older Canadian home**, according to [Natural Resources Canada](https://natural-resources.canada.ca/sites/nrcan/files/canmetenergy/pdf/housing/fixtheholeinyourwall.pdf). Air sealing means closing the cracks and gaps that let warm air out, with caulking, foam, gaskets and tape, and weatherstripping the moving joints of doors and windows. The 24 statistics below cover heat loss, Ontario costs, weatherstripping prices, how many households do the work and the rebates that still apply in 2026. For a quick fix on a drafty door, start with our [handyman services](https://www.prohousemaintenance.com/services/handyman-services/).

Natural Resources Canada, Builders Ontario and Home Renovation Savings figures are in CAD. HomeGuide figures are in USD. All sources were checked on October 23, 2026.

## Key Takeaways

- **Air leaks cause 20% to 30% of heat loss** in an older home, worth $250 to more than $1,000 a year ([NRCan](https://natural-resources.canada.ca/sites/nrcan/files/canmetenergy/pdf/housing/fixtheholeinyourwall.pdf)).
- **Windows, doors and skylights cause up to 35%** of total house heat loss ([NRCan](https://natural-resources.canada.ca/energy-efficiency/home-energy-efficiency/keeping-heat-section-8-upgrading-windows-exterior-doors)).
- **A whole-house air sealing package costs $1,500 to $3,500** in Ontario, about $2,400 for 2,000 square feet ([Builders Ontario](https://buildersontario.com/air-sealing-cost-ontario/)).
- **Door weatherstripping and a sweep cost about $60 per door** in Ontario, before HST ([Builders Ontario](https://buildersontario.com/air-sealing-cost-ontario/)).
- **1.3 million Canadian households** caulked or weatherstripped between 2015 and 2019 ([SHEU 2019](https://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/publications/statistics/sheu/2019/index.cfm)).
- **Ontario pays up to $250 for air sealing** inside a bundle of upgrades, with follow-up assessments due to be booked by November 30, 2026 ([Home Renovation Savings](https://www.homerenovationsavings.ca/-/media/home-renovation-savings/pdf/HRSP-Assessment-Additional-Program-Eligibility-Requirements.pdf)).

## How much heat do Canadian homes lose to air leaks?

An older Canadian home loses about 20% to 30% of its heat through air leaks, says Natural Resources Canada. Its 2014 estimate puts the cost at $250 to more than $1,000 extra a year, depending on the home's age and fuel. NRCan calls air leakage control the single most important retrofit, and says it should come first in any upgrade plan.

### 1\. Air leaks cause 20% to 30% of heat loss in older homes

NRCan says heated or cooled air escapes through cracks and holes, and that this leakage represents about 20% to 30% of the heat lost from an older home ([NRCan](https://natural-resources.canada.ca/sites/nrcan/files/canmetenergy/pdf/housing/fixtheholeinyourwall.pdf)).

### 2\. Drafts cost $250 to more than $1,000 a year

The same NRCan sheet says the loss could cost a homeowner $250 to more than $1,000 extra each year, depending on the age of the home and the heating fuel. Its cost table is based on national averages from 2014 ([NRCan](https://natural-resources.canada.ca/sites/nrcan/files/canmetenergy/pdf/housing/fixtheholeinyourwall.pdf)).

### 3\. A 1900s house loses $720 a year on gas

NRCan estimates the annual cost of air leakage heat loss at $720 on natural gas and $1,570 on electric heat for a house built around 1900. For a 1950s house the figures fall to $390 and $860 ([NRCan](https://natural-resources.canada.ca/sites/nrcan/files/canmetenergy/pdf/housing/fixtheholeinyourwall.pdf)).

### 4\. Even a house built since 2000 loses $280 a year

For houses built from 2000 on, NRCan puts air leakage heat loss at $280 a year on gas and $610 on electricity. Newer homes leak less, but they still leak ([NRCan](https://natural-resources.canada.ca/sites/nrcan/files/canmetenergy/pdf/housing/fixtheholeinyourwall.pdf)).

_Chart: Estimated yearly cost of air leakage heat loss by construction decade, natural gas (CAD, 2014)._

Source: [Natural Resources Canada](https://natural-resources.canada.ca/sites/nrcan/files/canmetenergy/pdf/housing/fixtheholeinyourwall.pdf).

### 5\. Windows, doors and skylights cause up to 35% of heat loss

NRCan's Keeping the Heat In guide says windows, doors and skylights can account for up to 35% of total house heat loss. It says the door sill is often a source of major drafts and is worth sealing even though it is hard to do well ([NRCan](https://natural-resources.canada.ca/energy-efficiency/home-energy-efficiency/keeping-heat-section-8-upgrading-windows-exterior-doors)).

### 6\. Single glazing loses 10 to 20 times more heat than a wall

NRCan says single-glazed windows lose about 10 to 20 times as much heat as the same area of a properly insulated wall. Storm windows or double-glazed sealed units cut that loss by almost half ([NRCan](https://natural-resources.canada.ca/energy-efficiency/home-energy-efficiency/keeping-heat-section-8-upgrading-windows-exterior-doors)).

### 7\. There are four types of weatherstripping seal

NRCan lists four types of seal: compression, brush, sweep and magnetic. Apart from fixed windows, it says the most airtight windows are usually those with compression or magnetic seals, such as casement and awning windows ([NRCan](https://natural-resources.canada.ca/energy-efficiency/home-energy-efficiency/keeping-heat-section-8-upgrading-windows-exterior-doors)).

### 8\. Sealing and insulating can save up to 10% a year

ENERGY STAR says sealing air leaks and adding insulation can save up to 10% on annual energy bills. It names door weatherstripping and caulking around windows as the simple fixes ([ENERGY STAR](https://www.energystar.gov/saveathome/seal_insulate)).

_Chart: Possible yearly energy bill savings from sealing and insulating (ENERGY STAR): 10% of 100._

## What does air sealing cost in Ontario?

A whole-house air sealing package costs $1,500 to $3,500 in Ontario before HST, and about $2,400 for a 2,000 square foot house, says Builders Ontario. Its rates are installed prices for Central Ontario, checked in October 2026. It puts the attic first, the basement rim joist second and doors and windows last.

### 9\. Whole-house air sealing costs $1,500 to $3,500

Builders Ontario prices a whole-house package, covering the attic plane, basement rim and sill, penetrations and weatherstripping, at $1,500 to $3,500, with $2,400 as its default for 2,000 square feet ([Builders Ontario](https://buildersontario.com/air-sealing-cost-ontario/)).

### 10\. Attic air sealing costs $0.75 to $1.50 per square foot

Sealing the attic floor, including top plates, plumbing stacks, wiring holes and the hatch, runs $0.75 to $1.50 per square foot of attic floor, with a $600 minimum. An insulated and weatherstripped attic hatch costs $150 to $250 ([Builders Ontario](https://buildersontario.com/air-sealing-cost-ontario/)).

### 11\. Rim joist foam costs $4 to $7 per linear foot

Two inches of closed-cell foam on the basement rim joist runs $4 to $7 per linear foot, or $900 to $1,800 for the rims alone because of the minimum charge ([Builders Ontario](https://buildersontario.com/air-sealing-cost-ontario/)).

### 12\. A blower door test costs $300 to $450

A standalone blower door test, which measures how leaky a house is, costs $300 to $450. It comes included in an EnerGuide evaluation, which Builders Ontario prices at $500 to $800 ([Builders Ontario](https://buildersontario.com/air-sealing-cost-ontario/)).

### 13\. A pre-1970 house tests at 8 to 15 air changes per hour

Builders Ontario says a pre-1970 house tests at 8 to 15 air changes per hour at 50 pascals, a 1990s house at 4 to 6, and a new Ontario house at about 2.5 to 3.0. Lower numbers mean a tighter house ([Builders Ontario](https://buildersontario.com/air-sealing-cost-ontario/)).

_Chart: Typical blower door result by house age, air changes per hour at 50 Pa (upper end of range)._

Source: [Builders Ontario](https://buildersontario.com/air-sealing-cost-ontario/).

### 14\. A full package can cut heating bills by 8% to 12%

Builders Ontario says a $2,400 package on a house at 8 air changes per hour usually brings it to about 5, cutting 8% to 12% off the heating bill. On gas, it puts the payback at 11 to 16 years, and on propane or electric baseboard at 5 or 6 years ([Builders Ontario](https://buildersontario.com/air-sealing-cost-ontario/)).

## What does door and window weatherstripping cost?

Door weatherstripping and a sweep cost about $60 per exterior door in Ontario, says Builders Ontario. HomeGuide puts the US price at $35 to $90 per door installed, and $130 to $470 for an average home. Weatherstripping is a small job, so many handymen fold it into a door repair or replacement visit.

### 15\. Ontario door weatherstripping costs $60 per door

Builders Ontario prices weatherstripping and a sweep at $60 per exterior door, and notes that the garage-to-house door counts and is usually the worst one ([Builders Ontario](https://buildersontario.com/air-sealing-cost-ontario/)).

### 16\. A US home costs $130 to $470 to weatherstrip

HomeGuide says weatherstripping an average US home costs $130 to $470 with professional installation, or $1 to $5 per linear foot ([HomeGuide](https://homeguide.com/costs/weather-stripping-installation-cost)).

### 17\. Replacing old weatherstripping costs $45 to $115 per door

HomeGuide puts a first install at $35 to $90 per door and $5 to $10 per window. Removing and replacing old stripping costs more, at $45 to $115 per door and $8 to $15 per window ([HomeGuide](https://homeguide.com/costs/weather-stripping-installation-cost)).

_Chart: Weatherstripping cost per opening, professional install, upper end (USD)._

Source: [HomeGuide](https://homeguide.com/costs/weather-stripping-installation-cost).

### 18\. Installers charge $50 to $150 an hour

HomeGuide says pros charge $50 to $150 an hour to install weatherstripping, and most charge at least one hour. A handyman charges $50 to $80 an hour, it says ([HomeGuide](https://homeguide.com/costs/weather-stripping-installation-cost)).

## How many Canadian households seal their homes?

About 1.3 million Canadian households made caulking or weatherstripping improvements from 2015 to 2019, says the Survey of Household Energy Use. That is fewer than the number who improved windows or exterior doors. The survey also found that 1.5 million households had an energy audit in the past 10 years.

1.3M

households caulked or weatherstripped, 2015 to 2019

1.4M

households improved exterior doors

1.9M

households improved windows or patio doors

### 19\. 1.3 million households caulked or weatherstripped

The 2019 Survey of Household Energy Use, run by Statistics Canada and NRCan, counts 1.3 million households that made caulking or weatherstripping improvements since the start of 2015. It counts 1.4 million that made improvements to exterior doors, including garage doors, and 1.9 million to windows, including patio doors ([SHEU 2019](https://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/publications/statistics/sheu/2019/index.cfm)).

### 20\. 6.1 million households made energy-saving improvements

More than 6.1 million Canadian households made improvements that reduce energy use from 2015 to 2019. About 934,000 received a government grant through a home energy retrofit program ([SHEU 2019](https://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/publications/statistics/sheu/2019/index.cfm)).

### 21\. 95% of audited households made changes

About 1.5 million households had an energy audit in the past 10 years, and 95% of them made energy-efficient changes as a result. An audit turns a vague draft into a list of leaks ([SHEU 2019](https://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/publications/statistics/sheu/2019/index.cfm)).

## What Ontario rebates apply to air sealing in 2026?

Ontario's Home Renovation Savings program pays $200 to $250 for air sealing, but only inside a bundle of at least two upgrades with an energy assessment before and after. The program pays $600 toward those assessments. Follow-up assessments must be booked by November 30, 2026, so the window for 2026 work is closing.

### 22\. Air sealing earns $200 or $250

The program pays $200 for meeting the air tightness target in your Renovation Upgrade Report, and $250 for beating it by 10% or more. It suggests making air sealing your third upgrade or later, since results vary ([Home Renovation Savings](https://www.homerenovationsavings.ca/with-assessment)).

### 23\. New doors and windows earn $100 per opening

Replacing at least one door or three window rough openings with ENERGY STAR certified models earns $100 per rough opening. A third qualifying upgrade adds a $500 bonus, and the assessments earn $600 back ([Home Renovation Savings](https://www.homerenovationsavings.ca/with-assessment)).

### 24\. Book the follow-up assessment by November 30, 2026

The program terms say follow-up assessments must be scheduled by November 30, 2026, and completed within 180 days of the first assessment or by December 31, 2026. Gas-heated homes can receive up to $5,000 in rebates, and homes heated by electricity, oil, propane or wood up to $10,000 ([Home Renovation Savings](https://www.homerenovationsavings.ca/-/media/home-renovation-savings/pdf/HRSP-Assessment-Additional-Program-Eligibility-Requirements.pdf)).

## What this means for homeowners

- Start with the leaks you cannot see: NRCan and Builders Ontario both put the attic and basement rim ahead of doors and windows.
- Fix drafty doors for about $60 each, and replace the door itself when the frame is rotten or out of square. Our [door installation cost guide](https://www.prohousemaintenance.com/blog/door-installation-cost/) has GTA prices, and our [door repair cost guide](https://www.prohousemaintenance.com/blog/door-repair-cost/) prices GTA seal, sweep and hinge fixes.
- If you want the Ontario rebate, book the energy assessment before any work, since 2026 follow-ups must be booked by November 30.
- For attic or wall upgrades, see our [insulation statistics](https://www.prohousemaintenance.com/blog/insulation-statistics/) or compare the [best handymen in Toronto](https://www.prohousemaintenance.com/best/handymen/toronto/).
- Pro House Maintenance matches you with vetted, licensed and insured pros who give free written estimates. [Request an estimate](https://www.prohousemaintenance.com/contact/) or browse our [service areas](https://www.prohousemaintenance.com/locations/).

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How much heat does a house lose through air leaks?

Natural Resources Canada says air leakage accounts for about 20% to 30% of the heat lost from an older home. It puts the extra cost at $250 to more than $1,000 a year, depending on the age of the home and the heating fuel. Its figures date from 2014, so current bills may differ.

### How much does air sealing cost in Ontario?

Builders Ontario puts a whole-house air sealing package at $1,500 to $3,500 before HST, about $2,400 for a 2,000 square foot house, at Central Ontario rates checked in October 2026. Attic air sealing runs $0.75 to $1.50 per square foot of attic floor, with a $600 minimum.

### How much does it cost to weatherstrip a door?

Builders Ontario prices door weatherstripping and a sweep at $60 per exterior door in Ontario, before HST. HomeGuide puts professional door weatherstripping at $35 to $90 per door in the US, or $45 to $115 per door when old stripping must come off first.

### Is there a rebate for air sealing in Ontario?

Yes, inside a bundle. Ontario Home Renovation Savings pays $200 for meeting the air tightness target in your energy report, or $250 for beating it by 10%. You need a home energy assessment first and at least two upgrades, and follow-up assessments must be booked by November 30, 2026.

### Can Pro House Maintenance find someone to fix drafty doors?

Yes. Pro House Maintenance is free for homeowners. You describe the drafts once, whether it is door weatherstripping, a new exterior door or attic air sealing, and we match you with vetted local pros who give free written estimates. You compare the quotes and choose who to hire.

## Keep exploring

Ready to move from research to a real quote? [Request a free handyman services estimate](https://www.prohousemaintenance.com/services/handyman-services/). Handyman Services projects typically run $100–$125 per visit, and every estimate is free and fixed-price.

Hiring in Toronto or a nearby Ontario city? See our ranked lists of the [best handymen in Toronto](https://www.prohousemaintenance.com/best/handymen/toronto/), [best handymen in Mississauga](https://www.prohousemaintenance.com/best/handymen/mississauga/), [best handymen in Hamilton](https://www.prohousemaintenance.com/best/handymen/hamilton/) and [best handymen in Vaughan](https://www.prohousemaintenance.com/best/handymen/vaughan/).

Related guides and reports from our editorial team:

- [22 Insulation Statistics: Costs, Wages and Ontario Rebates (2026)](https://www.prohousemaintenance.com/blog/insulation-statistics/): Cited 2026 data on Ontario attic insulation prices, Home Renovation Savings rebates, Job Bank insulator wages and US attic cost benchmarks.
- [Door Installation Cost in 2026: Toronto and Ontario CAD Prices](https://www.prohousemaintenance.com/blog/door-installation-cost/): Toronto installed prices for interior, entry and patio doors, Ontario labour ranges, HomeGuide US benchmarks, permit rules and the $100 Ontario door rebate.
- [21 Door Installation Statistics: Costs, ROI and Ontario Rules (2026)](https://www.prohousemaintenance.com/blog/door-installation-statistics/): Cited 2026 data on Toronto door prices, Ontario labour, steel entry door resale returns, ENERGY STAR Canada rules, rebates and Toronto permits.

_Quote form: this page has a form to request free quotes from local pros. Open https://www.prohousemaintenance.com/blog/air-sealing-statistics/ to use it._

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