How to Keep Cold Air from Coming Through Windows
Winter brings with it the frigid temperatures and biting winds that make us reach for our warmest layers. However, sometimes even our homes fail to keep out the cold. If you feel like the cold is creeping into your home, rest assured you are not alone. One potential culprit could be your windows.
Cold air can enter your home through gaps in your windows, causing your energy bills to skyrocket. In this blog post, we will explore seven ways how to keep cold air from coming through windows and help keep you warm and toasty all winter long.
Can You Keep Cold Air from Coming Through Windows?
As the winter months approach, you might notice that cool air is seeping into your home through the windows. While it might be tempting to turn up the heat, that’s not always the most cost-effective solution. Fortunately, there are a variety of options to keep the cold at bay.
Weather stripping and caulking can be effective for small gaps, while window film or heavy curtains can provide a layer of insulation. Additionally, consider investing in draft stoppers or door sweeps to seal off any other potential openings. With a little effort, you can ensure that your home stays cozy and warm throughout the colder season.
Why Should You Keep Cold Air from Coming Through Windows?
Cold air can be a big problem, especially during the winter months. Not only is it uncomfortable to feel the chill in the air, but it can also lead to higher energy bills as you try to heat up your home. That’s why keeping cold air from coming through your windows is essential. One way to do this is by installing weatherstripping around the edges of your windows, which can help seal any gaps or cracks where cold air may be leaking in.
Another option is to use window insulation kits, which are easy to install and can provide an extra layer of insulation to seal out the cold. By taking these simple steps to keep cold air out, you’ll be more comfortable in your home and save money on your energy bills.
How to Keep Cold Air from Coming Through Windows – in 7 Easy Ways
1. Check for Gaps and Leaks
The first thing you can do is check for gaps and leaks in your windows. Even small gaps can let in cold air, so acting fast is important. You can use weatherstripping or caulking to seal any gaps around your windows.
Weatherstripping is a material that goes around the edges of your windows to create a seal while caulking can be used to seal gaps between your windows and walls. Both options can be found at your local hardware store and easily installed at home.
2. Invest in Insulated Curtains
Insulated curtains are another great way to prevent cold air from entering your windows. They add an extra layer of insulation and can prevent heat loss by up to 25%. These thick and heavy curtains make them perfect for keeping the cold air out. They come in a variety of colors and styles, so you can find a pair that matches your decor.
3. Cover Your Windows with Plastic
Another simple solution is to cover your windows with plastic. This might sound unattractive, but it’s a cost-effective and efficient way to keep the cold out. Window insulation kits are readily available in most hardware stores and can be installed quickly and easily. The plastic forms an airtight seal over your windows, making a barrier between the cold air outside and the warmth inside.
4. Use Draft Stoppers
Draft stoppers are a clever and inexpensive way to keep cold air from seeping through your windows. These can be easily attached to the bottom of your window frame, creating a seal between the window and the sill. They come in a variety of materials, from fabric to foam. For a DIY solution, you can make your draft stopper from old towels or other materials you have to lie around the house.
5. Upgrade to Double-Glazed Windows
If you’re looking for a more permanent solution, consider upgrading to double-glazed windows. Double-glazed windows have two panes of glass separated by an insulating layer of air or gas, which helps keep the cold out and the warmth in. While a costly option, upgrading to double-glazed windows will keep you warmer in winter and help lower your energy bills all year round.
6. Use Window Film
Applying window film to your windows is a great way to maximize their insulating properties. This type of film acts as an extra layer of insulation, creating a barrier between the cold air outside and the warm air inside. It also helps reduce glare from the sun and can even protect your furniture from fading over time.
7. Install Storm Windows
Consider installing storm windows if you live in an area with especially cold winters. Storm windows are designed to be used over your existing windows, providing an extra layer of insulation and protection against the cold air outside. They come in a variety of styles and materials and can be custom-fitted to fit your windows. Storm windows are a great way to ensure your home stays warm and cozy all winter long.
That’s it! You’ve now learned the seven key steps on how to keep cold air from coming through windows. With these simple solutions, you’ll be able to ensure your home is warm and comfortable all winter. Good luck!
5 Considerations Things When You Need to Keep Cold Air from Coming Through Windows
1. Check the Window Seal
The first thing you should do when you notice cold air coming through your windows is to check the seal. If the seal is broken, it must be repaired or replaced to keep the cold air out.
2. Add Weatherstripping
Another way to keep cold air from coming through your windows is to add weatherstripping. Weatherstripping is a strip of material that is placed around the perimeter of a window in order to create a tight seal.
3. Install a Window Film
Installing a window film is another effective way to reduce the amount of cold air that comes through your windows. Window films are thin sheets of plastic that are applied to the glass of a window in order to insulate it.
4. Use Curtains or Blinds
Hanging curtains or blinds over your windows can also help to keep the cold air out. Curtains and blinds create an additional insulation layer over your windows.
5. Use a Space Heater
If you find that none of the other methods are effective in keeping the cold air out, you may need to use a space heater. Space heaters are electric devices that generate heat, which can help to warm up a room. They are especially useful in colder climates where temperatures dip below freezing.
Using a space heater, you can maintain comfortable temperatures within your home while preventing cold air from entering through the windows.
4 Common Mistakes People Make When Trying to Keep Cold Air from Coming Through Windows
1. Not Checking for Gaps Around Doors and Windows
One of the most common mistakes people make when trying to keep cold air from coming into their home is not checking for gaps around doors and windows. Even the smallest gap can let in a draft, so it’s important to make sure that all doors and windows are properly sealed. You can do this by caulking cracks or gaps and weatherstripping doors and windows.
2. Not Insulating Their Home
Another mistake people make is not insulating their homes. This is especially important if you live in an older home, as many older homes do not have adequate insulation. Adding insulation to your walls, attic, and floors will help to keep your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
3. Not Using Storm Doors or Storm Windows
Storm doors and windows are another great way to keep cold air from entering your home. These doors and windows are designed to fit snugly over your existing doors and windows, creating an additional layer of protection against the elements.
4. Not Keeping Their Home Clean
One final mistake people make is not keeping their homes clean. Dust, dirt, and other debris can act as insulators, trapping heat in your home and making it harder to keep warm in the winter. Vacuuming regularly and dusting surfaces will help reduce the insulation in your home and make it easier to keep warm.
Conclusion
Keeping your home warm and cozy during winter doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. Using the tips mentioned in this blog post, you can keep cold air from coming through your windows, ultimately saving you money on your energy bills.
Whether you upgrade to double-glazed windows or use simple solutions like draft stoppers, there are plenty of ways to ensure your home stays warm and comfortable all winter. Thanks for reading our post about how to keep cold air from coming through windows.
Angela Ervin
Angela is the executive editor of DIY quickly. She began her career as an interior designer before applying her strategic and creative passion to lifestyle and home. She has close to 15 years of experience in creative writing and online content strategy for housekeeping, home decorations as well as other niche efforts. She loves her job and has the privilege of working with an extraordinary team. She lives with her husband, two sons, and daughter in Petersburg. When she's not busy working she spent time with her family.
