As winter approaches, the battle against chilly weather becomes a priority for homeowners aiming to keep their living spaces cozy without spending a fortune. Drafty windows are a common culprit, allowing cold air to infiltrate and warm air to escape. Here are a few practical tips to fix drafty windows and keep your home warm and comfortable throughout winter.
How to Fix Drafty Windows
1. Weatherstripping
Invest in high-quality weatherstripping to create a seal around your windows. This cost-effective solution closes gaps and cracks, preventing drafts from seeping into your living spaces. Remove the old product, and apply weatherstripping around the window frame and sash to enhance insulation and keep cold air out.
2. Caulking for Gaps and Crevices
Inspect your window frames thoroughly for gaps, holes, or crevices. Use a durable, flexible silicone caulk to seal these openings and prevent cold air from entering. Caulk is available at hardware and home improvement stores. Check both the interior and exterior of the window frames to fortify your defense against drafts.
3. Draft Stoppers and Door Sweeps
To keep your living spaces warm, address drafts at the windows and doors. Draft stoppers along the bottom of doors and door sweeps at the threshold form barriers to keep chilly outside air. Create a comprehensive defense against winter drafts by fortifying all points where cold air can enter your home.
4. Window Film for Insulation
Apply insulating window film to enhance thermal efficiency. This thin, transparent film is an additional insulation layer to reduce heat loss and minimize drafts. Easy to install, window film is a cost-effective way to boost energy efficiency while maintaining the clarity of the glass.
5. Install Heavy Curtains to Fix Drafty Windows
Elevate the aesthetics and insulation of your windows by adding heavy curtains. Opt for curtains with a thermal lining to create an extra layer of warmth. To further boost insulation, layer the curtains with cellar window shades. When closed, the shades and curtains act as a barrier against the cold, providing an elegant solution to combat drafts while adding color and style to your interiors. Open the window coverings during the day to allow sunlight to warm the living spaces. Close them at night to help your home retain heat.
By implementing these practical tips, you can reduce airflow and drafts around windows and fortify your home against winter’s cooler weather. Blocking drafts will enhance comfort and increase energy efficiency, ultimately reducing heating costs. Take proactive steps to better insulate your windows to ensure a warm and inviting home all season.
Anderson Home Inspections provides professional inspection services to homebuyers and sellers in Central Ohio. Contact us to request an appointment.