Older homes, especially ones that still have single-pane windows, often have drafty windows that let cold air in during winter. In the summer, those same air leaks can make it more difficult for your air conditioner to maintain your desired level of comfort.
If you want to save money on your energy bills and improve your interior comfort, you need to reduce window drafts. When windows need to be replaced, you can follow a few window insulation tips to help you prevent window drafts until you have a full window replacement.
Pinnacle Home Improvements can expertly install your replacement windows. Our home improvement contractors ensure a proper fit to not only seal windows for no more air leaks but also enhance the beauty of your home. In this blog post, we explain what causes window drafts and provide tips on how to fix drafty windows.
Understanding Window Drafts
Drafty windows are typically the result of air leaks, which have many causes. Gaps or cracks around your window frames can let hot or cold air in or out of your home, making your HVAC system work harder to produce the same results.
Failed window seals between the glass panes can also allow air to pass through. When weatherstripping becomes worn between the window sash and frame, drafty windows are often the result. Window drafts can also be caused by improper installation. This is why it is imperative to choose a reputable window replacement company to ensure the installation of your new windows is done with precision.
Common Signs of Drafty Windows
Many factors could be causing drafts with your existing windows, and you might not even know it. In order to stop window drafts, you need to first determine if you have drafty windows. Here are the most common signs that indicate you need to do something to better protect your home:
You Can Feel a Draft of Cold Air
During cold weather, if you feel a noticeable change in temperature near your windows when they are closed, you have drafty windows. You may also feel air blowing while the windows are firmly shut. You can wet your hands and hold them around the edges of the windows to help you determine if you’re getting a breeze indoors.
Your Energy Costs Are Higher
Cold air escaping from your drafty windows will make your air conditioner work harder to keep you cool during summer. You’ll pay more while wasting energy, and you might not even feel comfortable indoors, depending on how much air is leaking out of your home. Conversely, in winter, you may always feel cold no matter how high you’ve cranked up the heat. If you feel cold when you stand near closed windows in your home and you’re paying more for your electric bills, window drafts are the likely culprit.
Windows That Fog Up
When you have windows with multiple panes, condensation between the panes indicates a broken seal. This lets air in, and moisture can then penetrate, causing damage to your window frames over time.
Struggling to Open or Close the Window
Windows with warped frames or damaged seals make them stick, causing you to struggle to get them open or shut.
Damaged Glass or Frames
It might be a no-brainer, but if the glass is cracked, you will have window drafts. Aside from the element of danger with compromised safety, cracked windows must be fixed immediately. Frames are less noticeable, but rotting wood and peeling paint can signify the need to fix drafty windows.
Noisy Windows
If your windows rattle every time the wind blows, then one of the components is damaged or loose. You may be able to fix drafty windows, though when they are already old, you may simply want to replace them to better protect your home.
Solutions to Fix Drafty Windows
In order to fully protect your home from structural damage, save on your energy bills, and uphold its value, you need to stop window drafts. There are a few ways you can fix drafty windows to reduce heat transfer and improve your comfort.
Replace the Weatherstripping
One very simple and quick solution to remedy drafty windows is to replace the weatherstripping. If you notice the weatherstripping is worn around your existing windows, foam tape weatherstripping can help block drafts and restore a tight seal. You can easily pick this up at any home improvement store, then simply press the new weatherstripping into place.
Caulking for Cracks and Gaps
Another one of the easy fixes you can do is to caulk the cracks and gaps around your windows. Over time, tiny cracks may develop around your windows that can let in outside air. You can stop drafts of cold air by plugging these areas with caulk.
Install Insulating Window Film
Another method to seal drafty windows is to install window film. However, it is not quite as effective as other options. It’s a form of plastic wrap that is applied with double-sided tape and a hair dryer to keep it in place. Temporary fixes like these can help, but it may be best to find a more permanent solution.
Try a Draft Stopper
If you’re just looking for temporary solutions, a better way to prevent drafts is to use a draft stopper. This is more effective than window film, fitting into the bottom of the window. However, if you have pets or kids, draft stoppers will often get knocked out of place. Still, they can reduce drafts until you pick some new windows for your installation.
Upgrade Your Window Treatments
Interior storm windows, window coverings, and window blinds may all improve your window insulation to provide greater comfort. These items won’t fully solve the problem, but they will allow you time to pursue more permanent solutions to stop drafty windows.
You can try thermal curtains that will reflect UV rays away from your home. They come in many styles and can enhance the interior of your home while improving energy efficiency. However, they will also block out light, causing you to keep your curtains, blinds, and other window coverings drawn during the day.
Window Replacements
When your window frames are warped or you don’t have proper window insulation from your pane windows, it is time to consider a replacement. This is the most effective way to stop drafty windows, as newer styles of windows are better rated for energy efficiency. These windows are also insulated, providing better protection for your home.
New windows may feature double glazing or even triple glazing, which use gas fills to insulate windows in a better way. You can still leave your new curtains, though you can open them up and enjoy the beauty of natural sunlight bathing your interior without the negative effects.
Tips for Picking New Windows
When you know your old windows must go, replacing them is the permanent fix your home needs to upgrade its appearance and value. Most homeowners have never replaced the windows in their home before and aren’t sure what to expect.
The first thing you will need to think about is the style of the windows you want. There are many varieties, such as garden windows, casement windows, and slider windows. You will also need to choose the type of panes, frames, and glass cuts. It can feel overwhelming, though on the bright side, working with Pinnacle Home Improvements ensures you have experts who will assist you through every step of the process. You will be guided through which types of windows will best flatter the appearance of your home. It’s also possible to have bigger windows installed that will not only revive the exterior of your home but also the interior with a brighter, more open look.
The Process of Replacing Windows
For windows to be effective at protecting your home, you need to seal them correctly. If your home isn’t that old, it is likely that you just need to seal window gaps that have developed with weatherstripping or caulk. Inspecting your windows once a year can help you stay ahead of any of these issues to prevent premature replacement.
If your windows are old, using a draft stopper or another temporary fix is a good idea until you can schedule a replacement. You should choose a reputable company to ensure the windows are installed properly from the start, which will prevent issues from arising down the road.
Pinnacle Home Improvements provides a free estimate and assesses your window needs. We can evaluate your home and show you the variety of window options available. When you make your selections, we will then remove the old windows and carefully place your new ones, following manufacturer instructions to protect the warranty while also abiding by local building codes. We will then inspect every part of every window installed to make sure it is done right.
Easy fixes are a great way to quickly preserve energy efficiency, though they can only help so much. Contact us today to learn more about upgrading your windows.
