When it’s cold outside, it’s easy to notice pesky drafts on your windows—spots where cool air sneaks in and makes your house chilly. Fixing drafty windows doesn’t just make your home more comfortable, it can also save you between five and thirty percent on your energy bill.
There are many ways—big and small—to fix up your drafty windows on your own, and we put this article together to explain some of the best methods.
Identifying a Draft
If you feel a breeze when you pass a window or hold your hand up to it, it’s time to fix it. Other telltale signs of a draft are the following:
Condensation inside the window
Condensation inside the pane
Visible damage to the interior or exterior weatherstripping
Fixing the Draft
Now that you’ve identified the draft, it’s time to get down to business. Here are the best ways to fix a draft:
Use a Snake
You can use a bean bag snake if your draft is located between the window sash and the sill. These handy things are typically used at the bottom of doors, but they can be repurposed easily.
Install Storm Windows
Storm windows are great at keeping drafts out. They are made of aluminum, and they mount to the outside of a window casing and provide another pane of glass that insulates and keeps cold air out.
Utilize Shrink Film
During the blustery winter months, you can install plastic shrink film over your windows in order to keep them insulated. You can buy these kits from any home improvement store, and they are simple to install.
Fix Up Weatherstripping
Repairing, replacing, or adding weatherstripping to your windows is an easy fix to a stubborn draft. There are many types of weatherstripping available, including felt, plastic, spring metal, and expanding foam.
Get to Caulking
Even if your windows are already caulked, it’s possible that your caulk has developed cracks and gaps over time and needs to be redone. Inspect the caulk to see if it’s the reason for the draft, and if it is, there are plenty of affordable caulk options available.
Put Curtains to Work
If you swap out your light summer sheers for something heavier in the winter, that will help keep drafts at bay. If you have window treatments like heavy draperies, layered curtains, or honeycomb shades, your house should stay warm and toasty during the cold months.
Quick Fix: Bubble Wrap
This isn’t a permanent solution, but bubble wrap can be used to seal windows in a pinch. All you need to do is keep it in place with some double-sided tape.
Paint the Cracks
If your windowpanes are cracked, there’s no doubt that cool air will find its way inside. If you’re looking for a temporary fix to hold you over until payday, clear nail polish can help. Not only will it seal the cracks, but it will also keep the panes from cracking further.
Styrofoam Can Help
While this isn’t the most aesthetically pleasing way to stop drafts, it’s a good option to keep in mind for windows that aren’t readily visible. Buy Styrofoam board and insulation, then cut them to the dimensions of your window. After that, place the insulation inside the window, followed by the Styrofoam board, and the Styrofoam will keep the insulation in place so drafts don’t occur.
Time to Replace
If you find that you are constantly looking for new ways to fix drafts, it might be time to bite the bullet and invest in a window replacement. If your drafty windows are costing you hundreds of dollars that you could be saving on your energy bill, then it’s time to look into new money-saving options that can keep your home warm.
Are Your Windows Drafty?
If your windows are drafty, this article is a great resource on how to mend them. If you have more questions on how to discourage drafts and potentially lower your energy bill, contact us at One Man & A Toolbox today.