Drafts sneaking through your windows and doors might not seem like a big deal, but they can have a significant impact on your energy bills and home comfort. By sealing windows and doors you will save energy and improve insulation, you can reduce energy waste, make your home cozier, and keep your wallet happier.
Why Sealing Matters
- Save on Energy Costs: Up to 30% of heating and cooling energy can be lost through gaps and cracks.
- Improve Comfort: No more chilly drafts or hot spots near windows and doors.
- Eco-Friendly Savings: Lower energy use means a smaller carbon footprint.
How to Identify Drafts
- Conduct a Visual Inspection
- Check for visible gaps or cracks around windows and doors.
- The Candle Test
- Light a candle and move it around the edges of windows and doors. If the flame flickers, you’ve found a draft.
- Feel for Air Movement
- On a windy day, run your hand along window and door frames to sense cold air coming through.
DIY Fixes for Sealing Drafts
- Apply Weatherstripping
- Ideal for: Gaps around door frames and movable windows.
- Materials: Foam tape, V-strip, or rubber weatherstripping.
- Cost: $10–$50 (depending on the type and quantity).
- Benefits: Quick and easy solution for stopping air leaks.
- Use Caulk for Stationary Frames
- Ideal for: Fixed windows and door frames with cracks or gaps.
- Materials: Acrylic latex caulk or silicone caulk for outdoor use.
- Cost: $5–$10 per tube.
- Tip: Choose a caulk that matches your frame color or is paintable.
- Install Door Sweeps
- Ideal for: Gaps under exterior doors.
- Materials: Aluminum or rubber door sweeps.
- Cost: $10–$30.
- Benefits: Keeps out drafts, dirt, and even pests.
- Add Insulating Film
- Ideal for: Older single-pane windows during winter.
- Materials: Window insulation film kits.
- Cost: $15–$20 per kit.
- Benefits: Reduces heat loss and improves comfort.
When to Consider Professional Help
If your home has older windows, major gaps, or you’re unsure about tackling the job yourself, hiring a professional can be worth the investment. Window replacement or advanced sealing techniques can significantly reduce energy loss.
The Long-Term Payoff
The upfront costs of sealing windows and doors are minimal compared to the long-term savings on your energy bills. Plus, a sealed home is quieter, more comfortable, and more environmentally friendly.
Explore the cornerstone guide: Home Maintenance: 6 Tips That Pay for Themselves for more ways to save money and protect your home.