Consider these drafty window solutions to keep you warm as the weather cools down!
As much as we love natural light, windows can make our homes uncomfortably cold in winter. Many houses have drafty windows, which allow cold air to seep inside and heat to escape, often resulting in a less sustainable living space and higher utility bills.
The US Department of Energy estimates that the average household spends approximately $2000 on their energy bill each year, of which up to $400 goes towards inefficient and outdated heating systems, air leaks, and drafts. But don’t worry. The Home Team has your back!
There are several effective ways to address these problems and keep the heat inside this winter, ensuring you can enjoy your lovely views and comfortable living spaces all year round.
Here are 9 tips and tricks to help you tackle these challenges. Let’s dive in and look at the best drafty window solutions!
Identify the areas with problems
Your first step towards finding a drafty window solution is identifying where those drafts are coming from. If you can feel a chill or a breeze as you pass by one of your windows, you likely have some issues to take care of.
If there’s condensation inside the glass between the pane or your window glass is fogged, it likely means that one of your window seals is damaged and the window is not insulating. Visible damage to exterior or interior weather stripping suggests frigid air is seeping in.
If you’re unsure whether or which window is the origin of the draft, one way to pinpoint the source is to gradually move the flame of a lit candle around the window frame.
If the flame flickers or bends at any point, use a small Post-It to mark the area. Once you’ve identified all problem areas, go back and seal the cracks with weather sealing tape.
Weatherstripping to the rescue
One of the most straightforward DIY drafty window solutions to windows and doors is replacing, repairing, or adding weatherstripping. Duck Brand Heavy-Duty Self-Adhesive Weatherstrip Seal works nicely, is priced reasonably, and comes in various sizes.
Furthermore, its rubber construction provides superior draft protection.
That being said, though, there are many types of weatherstripping worth considering, including V-seal weatherstripping (sold in both plastic and spring-metal versions), felt weatherstripping (sold in rolls), and expanding spray foam weatherstripping (sold in aerosol cans).
Insulate using styrofoam
While this approach isn’t practical for windows in a home’s living room, it’s an excellent drafty window solution for basement windows. All you have to do is buy some styrofoam board and insulation from your local Home Depot.
Cut them both to the size of your window. Set the insulation inside the window casing, then followed by the styrofoam board. The styrofoam will hold the insulation in place, keeping out any cold air trying to get in.
Draft stopper
The bean bag sock snake is a traditional yet perfect drafty window solution to drafts on doors. The draft stopper also works with windows by blocking cold air from creeping through the sash and sill crevasse. Simply look for models that are the same size as your windows.
With its fleece material, 4-inch thick size, and polyester fill, a draft snake is a tough barrier against Jack Frost this winter. And most have hanging loops as an added touch, which makes it easy to store the draft stopper when you’re not using it.
Use caulk to cover those cracks
Taking advantage of window caulking serves as a first line of defense against cold drafts. The downside is that caulk degrades over time, ultimately producing small gaps and cracks that allow cold air to get in.
So, keeping this in mind, if you go this route, it’s a good idea to check the caulk around your window frames occasionally and check for any indications of negligence.
Cheap, user-friendly rope caulk is a fantastic drafty window solution for repairing small cracks in window caulking and only requires your fingers to install.
Larger openings in your caulk, however, require the complete removal and replacement of the initial, no-longer-viable caulk. Frost King’s rope cord is the brand that seems to be most popular among homeowners.
Window dressing
Although they may strain your wallet more than other drafty window solutions on our list, storm windows are the most effective way to prevent drafts.
Aluminum storm windows are mounted to the outside of the window casing, which provides an additional insulating pane of glass that stops cold air from getting into your home.
Adding storm windows to what you have now costs a bit more, and we’ll admit that they’re more challenging to install than storm tape and weatherstripping.
According to the US Department of Energy, the upside is that this drafty window solution can save you as much as 30% on costs when it comes to heating your home.
Seal the gaps with some nail polish
An incredibly budget-friendly but temporary drafty window solution is to seal the cracks in your frames by taking advantage of some clear nail polish. All you have to do is paint over the drafty spots and have a quick fix to your problem.
This trick can also cover any cracks on your window’s glass panes and prevent any additional damage until you can get it replaced.
You can use transparent nail polish from Sally Hansen, for instance, to make it unnoticeable and not conflict with your home aesthetic. Just be sure to go for a permanent drafty window solution as soon as you can since nail polish won’t hold for too long.
Simply replace the window
Replacing your windows altogether is a rather significant investment, but it’s a drafty window solution worth looking into if your inefficient and old panes cost you hundreds of dollars or more in energy loss every year.
Energy.gov says that heat loss due to drafty windows is accountable for over 25% of residential heating energy use. Replacing these windows with an Energy Star-rated model, like the American Craftsman white vinyl windows, for instance, will reduce those costs.
And even though the upfront expense of new windows is pretty costly, you’ll eventually make that money back on your utility bill savings.
Pull the shades with some draft-stopping decor
Seasonally switching out your lightweight curtains for heavier, insulation-boosting window treatments can bea huge drafty window solution for keeping cold drafts at bay.
Insulating curtains are a fantastic… and good-looking way to stop a draft in its tracks, and cellular shades are another option.
The honeycomb design of these types of shades forms multiple air pockets that help trap warm air in your home while preventing cold air from seeping in. They come in numerous color options to suit different decor styles and won’t detract from the room’s aesthetics.
Cellular shades are best when the shades fit perfectly inside the window casing. These thermal curtains from Deconovo are a top pick among Amazon shoppers.
We like that they use three layers of fabric to deliver insulation over the window… when curtains are closed, of course. This helps cut energy bills. And as a bonus? Your decor gets an upgrade, as well!
We hope you enjoyed this article on drafty window solutions. And if you found this article helpful, we highly recommend you also read: 6 Simple Kitchen Design Mistakes That Are Costing You Money
