Feeling a chill in your home, even when you’re cranked up the thermostat? Chances are, you have drafty windows. Drafty windows cost homeowners plenty of money in energy bills and can be a real pain to deal with. Fortunately, there are some simple solutions to eliminate drafts. Let’s take a look at six easy ways to solve drafty windows.
1. Weather Stripping
Weatherstripping is an inexpensive way to prevent drafts from entering your home through your windows. It can be installed on the window frames’ interior and exterior sides. To install weather stripping, measure the perimeter of the window frame and cut one strip for each side of the window frame. Apply double-sided adhesive strips onto the weather strip material and press it firmly onto the window frame.
2. Caulking
Caulking is another great way to seal any cracks or gaps around your windows that may allow cold air into your home. To apply caulk, begin by cleaning off dirt and debris from around the window frame with a cloth and warm water and allow it to dry completely before applying the caulk. Then, using a caulking gun loaded with silicone or acrylic latex caulk, fill any cracks or crevices that could allow air infiltration around the window frame.
3. Window Insulation Film
Window insulation film is a great option for those looking for an easy do-it-yourself solution for drafty windows. It installs easily with double-sided tape and provides an extra layer of insulation around your windows that will help keep cold air out while also blocking ultraviolet rays from entering your home during warmer months. This method does not provide much insulation value, so it may not be the most effective choice if you live in an especially harsh climate.
4. Window Inserts
Consider installing window inserts into your existing frames if you want a more permanent solution for drafty windows. Window inserts are generally made of plastic or foam and fit directly into your existing window frames, creating an extra layer of insulation between outside elements and inside temperatures in your home. They come pre-cut for standard-size windows but can also be custom ordered.
5. Storm Windows
Storm windows are another option if you’re looking for something more long-term than weather stripping or insulation film but don’t want to invest in full replacement windows. Storm windows create an additional barrier between inside temperatures and outside elements by fitting over frames like snap covers over existing glass panes in single-hung units or sliding panels on double-hung units—so there is no need to take out any old hardware! Storm windows come in many different materials making them highly customizable depending on budget and desired aesthetic preferences, as well as offering excellent protection from outside elements while still providing excellent ventilation control during warmer months.
6. Replacement Windows
If all else fails or you want a more permanent solution without constantly replacing weather stripping or re-caulk every few years, replacing old worn-down windows with new top-quality ENERGY STAR-rated replacement units is the best choice. These provide much better insulation values than older models and offer improved aesthetics, which can increase the property’s value while still being cost-effective, given all the energy savings associated with such product types!
Final Thoughts
Whether it’s weather stripping, caulking, window insulation film, inserts, or storm/replacement units – there’s something out there for everyone, so don’t let drafty winter months get you down! With these tips & tricks up your sleeve – you are sure to stay nice & cozy all season long. Contact us for professional window replacement services for any help you need with installation.