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Drafty windows are more than just annoying and uncomfortable—poorly insulated windows can cost you hundreds of dollars every year in unnecessary heating.
If you’re looking for a replacement, some of the best window brands can sometimes qualify for sales or rebates. Or, with a few quick fixes, you can seal up your drafty windows and doors, which can subsequently save you up to 15% on your annual heating costs.
Here's how to fix drafty windows to keep the cold out and the heat in.
Understand what the problem is
Take a look at your windows and try to figure out where the air is leaking in. It could be that the seal between the glass and the window sash is cracked.
Wondering how to fix drafty windows? Your first step is to take a look at your windows and try to figure out where the air is actually leaking in. It could be that the seal between the glass and the window sash is cracked, allowing cold air to seep in this way.
Another possible failure point is the window sash not fitting tightly on the window sill. And, a third possibility is that there is missing insulation around the frame of the window.
Different points of air entry may require different solutions, so making sure that you understand the problem is an important first step.
Seal your windows with plastic covering
One of the easiest and most affordable ways is to use a window insulator kit. For only a few dollars per window, these sheets of plastic attach to your window casing, trapping a layer of air to serve as insulation and blocking any breeze coming into your home. Most attach with included tape and can be easily removed when winter is over.
Plastic insulation kits also come in indoor types, like the Duck Brand Shrink Film Insulator Kit.
The biggest drawback of this simple solution is aesthetics—many people find plastic window coverings ugly. They also tear easily, so you need to make sure that children or pets aren’t clawing at them throughout the season, or you’ll have to put up new ones.
Weatherstrip your windows
Another simple and affordable way to fix leaking windows is to install weather sealing tape or weatherstripping if your windows have cracks around the edges of the glass, or if the window sash isn’t closing all the way.
Another simple and affordable way to fix leaking windows is to install weather sealing tape or weatherstripping. These two methods can be a great solution for windows with cracks around the edges of the glass, or if the window sash isn’t closing all the way.
Weatherstripping is also an excellent solution for dealing with drafty doors. Like plastic sheeting, it can be a bit ugly depending on where you need the weather stripping or tape, but it does the job to fix specific problem areas.
Weather stripping is not a realistic solution if your window is simply all-around drafty, or if you have single-pane windows that just radiate cold air from the outside.
Repair the window’s seal (and maybe call in a pro)
You can repair the window seal by scraping away the window seal gasket connecting the glass to the window sash, and then running a bead of silicone caulking around the seam, between the pane and the sash.
Along with replacing or adding weatherstripping, resealing your windows may make a big difference. This process is a bit more involved than some of the others, and it may be worth hiring a professional to take care of it if you don’t feel comfortable. In a nutshell, to reseal a window is to replace the insulation and gaskets around the window frame itself, as well as along the glass.
Depending on the type of windows that you have, there are different steps involved to repair the window seal. The first is to remove the window casing, and then spray expanding foam around the exterior of the window frame, sealing up any holes.
From there, either remove or scrape away the window seal gasket connecting the glass to the window sash, and then install a new gasket or run a bead of silicone caulking around the seam, between the pane and the sash.
As the process is different depending on the types of windows that you have, check with your window manufacturer for the proper procedures and materials.
Protection can be pretty, too
Many companies make insulated window treatments and blinds.
If aesthetics are important to you, and you have more budget to spend, think about investing in black out curtains or window treatments.
Thermal curtains provide insulation for both temperature and sound, and they can be purchased to match your own personal design style.
Curtains also offer protection year round by keeping cold air out in the winter and the hot sun out in the summer. Just make sure that you are searching for curtains with insulating capabilities as not all are designed with insulation in mind.
Consider whether it’s time to replace your windows
If your windows are old, it may just be time to replace them.
The best way for how to fix drafty windows is to replace them. Overtime, windows wear out and need to be replaced. When no amount of weatherstripping or caulk will stop the drafts, it's time to get new windows.
While replacing your windows is a costly proposal—running in the thousands or tens of thousands of dollars depending on your home and the types of windows you choose—replacing your windows is a sure way to seal up those annoying drafts and conserve heat.
New windows look great, too, and they can add value to your home if a sale is on the horizon. Just make sure when you are choosing new windows that the installers address your insulation concerns. And as with any contractor job, get multiple quotes from different vendors to ensure that you’re getting both the best deal and the best product for you.
No matter what level of fix you decide to take on, there’s no reason to watch movies with a breeze on your neck or accept those higher heating costs.
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