Split-level with door in closet for attic access - leaking cool air into bedroom

[neo von retorch]

What are my options for reducing the cool air leaking through the small door that allows for attic access? The closet where the door hides is quite cool when it's cool outside, and no doubt lets heat escape from the bedroom.

Thanks!

[BudgetSlasher]

proper weather striping and/or insulation for the door.

Is it actually a door in the back on the closet or a hatch in the ceiling? If it is a hatch a weight on the back of it to hold it down is helpful too.

[neo von retorch]

It's a small fully custom door on the side of the closet, about 5' tall and half that wide. Relatively thin wood. Not a proper doorway.

[robartsd]

As long as the door closes tightly, weatherstripping should be able to prevent air infiltration. Is it an actual custom size door, or is it more like a hole with a board on a hinge covering it? Without a real door, it might be hard to get the door to close tight enough to make the weatherstripping effective. You could probably get a stock solid core door for the width and cut it to length if you want to replace the door.

I've also seen zippered insulated coverings for attic hatches with pull-down stairs, but they might also be able to work for a door if it swings into the closet rather than into the attic.

[MsPeacock]

If you don't access the attic much, could you cover the opening with that clear plastic that you heat with a hair dryer (usually used for Windows) or hang some blankets over the door?

[lthenderson]

Beside the weather stripping, I also like to insulate the attic side of any access door. In your case, perhaps adhering a piece of foam onto the back side will also help especially since it sounds like it is just a piece of plywood in the center.