Switchplate and Outlet Gaskets
do my homework onlineStop cold air leaking through electical outlets.
Electrical outlets and light switches are a small but significant source of air leaks. This is because they are cut right into the wall and often don't have much insulation around them. For outlets on exterior walls, this can be costly over time. There are also comfort considerations if you sit next to an outlet that is leaking cool air.
Take  the temperature above, below, and on the wall next to several outlets in your home. You will find differences of a few degrees on about half of the outlets. The bottom of the outlet is usually  the coldest where the heavier, colder air will leak in.  Smoke from a stick of incense can detect where cold air is entering through the outlet.
Using Outlet Gaskets to Stop Air Leaks
To remedy the situation use electrical foam outlet gaskets which come in different variations for switch, GFI, and outlet form.
To install the foam gasket you just remove the outlet faceplate and put the outlet insulation on securely. Then put the faceplate back on and you're done.
Be sure to push the gasket in so it fits securely around the outlet. This will prevent air from leaking in.
Overall, the electrical outlet gaskets were effective and stopped much of the air leaking into the house. There were a few outlets where the outlet itself needed to be pushed in further so the faceplate and gasket formed a good seal.
You only need to insulate outlets and light switches that are on exterior walls.
If you're uncomfortable working around electricity you can shut the power off at the circuit breaker before installing the outlet insulation.
You can use smoke from a stick of incense to identify the problem electrical outlets and fix those first.
A Low Cost Solution
The gaskets are inexpensive, it's a low-cost start to solving some of your air leakage concerns and it's relatively an easy energy saving task.