No one wants a drafty window. Aside from simply making you feel uncomfortable, that cold draft is likely causing your monthly energy bill to spike! Read on to discover 6 hacks to stop a cold draft from your window — increase your comfort and reduce your energy bill every winter!
1. Install Window film
Installing a layer of plastic film is a simple way to stop a cold draft from your window. Consider this from a source that would know best: the Daily News-Miner in Fairbanks, Alaska!
Question: “I am thinking of putting plastic film over my windows for the winter. Is there any value in this?”
Answer: “Yes, but mostly for windows that are old or are in bad condition. If installed well, using plastic heat shrink films can provide three key areas of benefit. Putting plastic film over a window is almost equivalent to adding an extra pane of glass on the window. This could mean up to a 50 percent decrease in heat loss through the glass of your window, but little to no reduction in heat loss through the window frame.”
2. Weatherstrip Your Windows
Weatherstrips are an inexpensive way to help seal drafty windows. You can refer to this guide from Lowes to get this job done in a few simple steps.
First, you must choose the best type of weatherstrip for your window. Make sure that it will withstand the temperature changes, friction, weather, and the wear and tear associated with the location.
3. Choose Insulated curtains
Thermal curtains are a great way to retain heat in your home during the winter, and you can have some decorating fun by picking and hanging ones with unique and interesting colours or patterns.
The big drawback is that to be most effective, they need to be closed. Natural light is at a premium during the long winter months, and limiting it even further is less than ideal.
4. Re-caulk Your Windows
Over time, the caulking on your windows degrades and may wear or peel away. Before every winter, it’s good practice to buy a tube or two of exterior caulking and do an inspection on the outside of your home.
Simply re-caulk old spots to help seal out drafts. If it’s a small opening, clear nail polish will also get the job done!
5. Door snakes
Placed at the bottom of the door or window, these weighted fabric tubes help stop a draft from your window.
You can find simple DIY instructions here, and you can even gather the whole family and create some of these unique options from Good Housekeeping.
If you’re not the crafty type, you can simply roll up a towel and place on the window ledge.
6. Consider Window replacement
If you notice drafts around your home and detect that they’re coming through your windows even after taking some or all of the steps above, it’s time to get new windows installed.
Drafty or damaged windows can cause your energy bills to be about 10% to 25% higher, according to Energy.gov. Replacing old, drafty, single-paned windows with Energy Star certified products can result in substantial savings in your energy costs.
As an added bonus, those new windows — and the resulting energy cost savings — can be a big selling point if you’re considering selling your home.
Installing windows isn’t a DIY job. Make sure you hire a professional.
[Article originally posted here]