With winter approaching, frosty air from outside may be seeping into your home, costing you money and warmth. When you feel a chill in your home, you may be tempted to crank up the heater, but your windows could be responsible for letting in cold drafts. According to the U.S department of energy, reducing drafts in your home can save you between 5 and 30 percent per year on your energy bill. (1)
Fortunately, there are a variety of easy solutions to keep the cold out and the warmth in. Check out some options below to see how you can cut your energy bill while keeping yourself and your family warm and cozy this winter.
Do You Need To Prep Your Windows?
Regardless of which insulation option you choose from the list below, it is crucial to prep your windows the same way to ensure a durable and lasting solution to your draft problem. (2)
First, measure the window sill, trim, and frames. Obtaining accurate measurements for the entire window will allow you to purchase the proper materials without going back for more supplies or overspending.
Next, you'll want to clean the window area with a damp cloth. Removing any dust and dirt from the area will ensure proper and secure insulation application. If you don't rid the area of dust and debris, the insulation is likely not to stick as well.
After cleaning the area, it is essential to let it dry before installing any draft protection. Once the site is free of moisture, you can begin the installation.
What Are Some Draft Protection Options?
Stopping drafts from your window can be a simple DIY project that can save you hundreds in the long run. Depending on your skill level and what type of windows you wish to insulate, many options exist. All of these have proven safe and effective, leading to a cozy winter void of chilly breezes in your home.
Caulking -- This is one of the most common and cost-effective ways to reduce drafts in the home. Since you'll need to locate the draft source, it is a good idea to do an energy audit on your home or buy a temperature sensor to check windows for cold spots. Caulk around the exterior of leaky windows and seal the crack on the interior as well. Removable caulk is an excellent option for people who don't operate their windows in the winter. You can seal the entire window and easily remove the caulk when the weather is warm and you want to open your windows. Allow the caulk to dry overnight, and enjoy a draft-free home!
Window Insulation Film -- Window insulation kits are a great seasonal solution if you don't want to replace the entire window. The kits are affordable and easy to install. Various thicknesses, dimensions, and film types are available in kits so you can choose the best one for your window. Heat control window film doesn't interfere with the way your windows look. Most kits will instruct you to tape around the window and hang the film. Next, you'll ensure there aren't any gaps and use a hairdryer to run over the film and eliminate wrinkles.
Draft Stoppers -- Resembling a thick plush snake, draft stoppers are placed at the bottom of a window to create a barrier to cold air. They are great for leaks that are confined to the bottom of the window. You can also use draft stoppers for the bottom of doors!
Weather Stripping -- Window sealing can be done in minutes with weather stripping. Sold in a roll similar to tape, you'll simply need to cut stripping pieces to the window's dimensions and align the adhesive covering any gaps.
Don't let drafts spike your energy bill this winter. You can save money and maximize your comfort in minutes with proper window treatment. All of these insulation options, as well as many more, are available at most major hardware stores!
Sources:
1 https://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/are-your-windows-drafty-try-these-12-solutions-for-every-budget-48200
2 https://www.homedepot.com/c/ab/how-to-insulate-windows-in-cold-weather/9ba683603be9fa5395fab9088ed0a8
