How to Prevent Drafts Around Windows During Winter

Your home’s windows, doors, and skylights can account for as much as 35% of total heat loss, according to the Government of Canada . Then, how to seal windows for winter so that you don’t end up with sky-high energy bills in the cruel winters?

With drafts around your windows, two things are happening simultaneously. First, the cold air is entering your home. And second, the warm air is leaking out. The impact? Higher heating costs because your HVAC system has to work overtime to maintain the temperature.

With that in mind, this guide will share a few practical solutions you can use to identify and fix drafts around the windows in your home. So, here’s how you can keep your home warm and energy-efficient, starting with learning how to fix drafty windows.

Key Takeaways :

• Drafts can increase heating costs and put a strain on your HVAC System
• You can lose up to 35% of the total heat in your home through drafty windows and doors
• The major signs of drafty windows are visible gaps, cold air around edges, condensation, and rising energy bills
• Window drafts are usually because of poor installation, damaged weatherstripping, outdated glass technology, or age
• You should replace drafty windows with more energy-efficient options like double or triple-pane glass
• Professional installation might cost more but offers long-term reliability, while DIY costs less upfront but may increase long-term costs

Signs You Have Drafty Windows

Wintertime is here and the cold air is constantly seeping into your home. No matter how high you crank up the thermostat, you can’t get it consistent throughout the house. So, what’s the problem? Before you learn how to seal windows for Winter, you have to know the signs of drafty windows.

How do you know for sure that your windows are drafty? There are a few signs that you can look for to identify drafts and with that, get timely solutions in place to save on those increasing energy bills.

Visible Gaps or Cracks

Keep an eye out for visible gaps between the sash and your window frame . Over time, some operating panels bend or bow which creates gaps. These can allow the cold air to seep into your home and even though they seem small, they can have a noticeable impact on your home’s heating efficiency.

Feeling Cold Air or Drafts

Another common sign, check to see if there’s cold air seeping in through the window by running your hand around the edges. You will feel cold air, like a sudden temperature drop that will tell you about the draft issue at hand. It’s a simple test that should be the first one you do.

Condensation or Frost Build-Up

Next up, we have moisture. It can damage your walls and the window frames over time which will make it either a costly repair or replacement. Plus, you’ll be facing increasing energy bills in the meantime. So, check for moisture, especially frost build-up around the windows

Higher Energy Bills

The final sign you have drafty windows? A gradual increase in your heating bills or HVAC costs. The windows might not always be the cause, but if they are, you should be quick to fix by going for draftproofing windows. A drafty window lets cold air in and warm air out, making your HVAC work harder.

Causes of Window Drafts

Even if you know the signs of drafty windows, it can be difficult to fix them when you don’t know the underlying issue. Is it just poor installation? If so, a quick touch-up by a team of experts will help. But if your windows are old and have outdated materials, then you may need a more comprehensive solution. Therefore, know the cause before going for the solution.

Age and Wear

It’s usually the older windows, the ones that have outdated materials and damaged seals, that get drafty quickly. Even if you maintain them regularly year-round, the windows naturally lose their ability to keep cold out. So, if your windows are decades old, it might be time to replace them.

Poor Installation

You may already know how difficult it can be to keep consistent temperatures inside the house with poorly installed windows. Why does that happen? Improper fitting will leave edges and gaps around the windows, which leads to drafts invading your home without any “alert”. So, make sure you go for professional installation.

Damaged Weatherstripping

One of the main causes of drafty window s is worn-out weatherstripping. It acts like a seal that prevents cold air from seeping in. But they don’t perform very well for long, especially when there’s poor maintenance or due replacement.

Single-pane glass or Inefficient Materials

Many homeowners overlook the glass inserts in their windows, but they are also critical to overall insulation efficiency. For instance, single-pane glass is rarely a strong thermal barrier. It allows heat to escape easily when compared to double or triple-paned glass.

Replacing Drafty Windows

There’s no debate about the most effective long-term solution when it comes to drafty windows – professional installation takes the prize every time. If you want immediate, short-term fixes, go for window sealing or caulking.

However, the old and inefficient windows rarely hold up with such quick solutions. If the windows are worn out and don’t seem fit for the job, it’s time to replace them. If you don’t know how to reseal windows – or replace old ones – talk to an expert.

Why Window Replacement is the Best Option

Firstly, old windows are among the most common reasons why homeowners have to face increasing energy bills. Old and worn-out windows have cracked frames, broken seals, and damaged weather strips. Plus, old ones lack features like double or triple-pane glass.

But modern draftproof windows have those features, along with Low-E coatings to enhance heat retention. Plus, the latest ENERGY STAR® certified windows come in unique shapes and designs that add to the overall curb appeal and home value.

The Advantages of Professional Installation

Now, the benefit of going for professional installation is not difficult to understand. When you have a team of experts doing the task for you, you can expect an error-free and damage-free job. This will not only prevent energy inefficiency in the long run but also help you enjoy warranties like those offered at Canadian Choice.

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How Canadian Choice Windows & Doors Can Help

With us, you’ll be able to get ENERGY STAR® certified windows. What does that mean? That means doors and windows with the latest features (including security) and coatings to lower your bills within a short time.

At Canadian Choice, our experts possess decades of knowledge and understand the needs of homeowners. Therefore, we offer permanent draft fixes with precision-engineered solutions, just for you.

We deliver the latest, DraftLOCK technology for superior window sealing and insulation. And, we promise timely completion of projects with high-quality results and service guarantees.

Here’s what Tyler shared with us, “ DraftLOCK windows are designed to eliminate drafts permanently with their advanced sealing technology and precision engineering. They provide superior insulation, keeping your home comfortable year-round while reducing energy costs. Built to last with durable, Canadian-made materials, they offer a long-term solution to draft issues. With DraftLOCK, simply put, you’re not getting just one feature that makes for a great window like with many other windows in the market— you’re getting precision engineering on all features. ”

Comparing Costs: DIY Fixes vs. Professional Replacement

Did you know that DIY fixes can sometimes be 2 to 3 times cheaper than professional solutions? However, they only serve as short-term fixes because they often lack comprehensive design and expert knowledge. To help you, here’s a quick breakdown of costs for both options (with pros and cons):

So, what we gather is that DIY fixes will save you money and time. On the other hand, professional installation will bring relatively more benefits in the form of long-term savings and more efficient performance.

Real Stories: The Impact of Window Replacement

What is the real impact of window replacement? Does resealing windows actually work? You don’t have to trust the professionals at our company, listen to the clients we have helped.

Before and After Energy Savings

A homeowner in Port Coquitlam had our professionals help him replace 6 windows and 2 sliding doors, all by Canadian Choice. They were excited at first, but absolutely thrilled with the results after they noticed the difference in temperature regulation.

The new windows made the house look more aesthetic and more than that, they saw noticeable reductions in heating costs. Apart from that, they thanked our team for completing the project on time with minimal disruption.

Higher Comfort During Extreme Winters

In Winnipeg, a family requested Canadian Choice to replace their old windows with our own windows . The impact was immediate for them because the installation team – led by Kevin and James – attended to every detail.

They took care of everything, from protecting floors with tarps to a thorough cleanup afterward and sealing windows for winter. The homeowners reported that most of their winter – which went “ extremely comfortable ” – also went without them having to adjust the thermostat often.

Long-Term Satisfaction with Professional Solutions

Another Winnipeg homeowner wanted their main-floor windows replaced, and they did, two years ago. Recently, they had a large picture window upgraded as well. Their response and experience assured us that everyone from our office staff to sales representatives and installation experts delivered a smooth, hassle-free experience to our clients.

Our clients’ experiences, and their stories, encourage us to continue offering high-quality solutions. With our draft-proofing windows, you’re saving big – on comfort and energy bills .

FAQs

How Can I Temporarily Fix Drafty Windows?

If you want to fix your drafty windows temporarily, one of the best tools is weatherstripping. You can also try caulk gaps or add a window draft stopper. All of these solutions are practical and cheap to keep cold air out. But these are short-term fixes, so for long-term comfort and energy savings, you’ll need professional window replacement and sealing.

How Do I Know If My Windows Need to Be Replaced?

The most noticeable sign you need a window replacement is a significant increase in your energy bills (particularly, due to the HVAC system during winters). A few other signs are constant drafting or condensation around your windows. This is because older windows lack proper insulation either due to damaged seals or single-pane build.

Can I Replace Just One Window, or Should I Replace Them All?

Yes, you can replace one window. However, it’s always a good idea to replace multiple windows at once. This is particularly beneficial if they all are aged and weary. Besides, replacing all windows will help you maintain the aesthetics with a consistent look (i.e., aesthetic appeal) with noticeable energy savings.

Are Temporary Fixes (Like Weatherstripping and Caulking) Effective?

Yes, they are effective methods but only as short-term fixes. Adding a new weatherstrip or caulking windows for winter will give you immediate relief from drafts and also help you save energy for a while. But they aren’t a permanent solution. Therefore, you should consider replacing old and worn-out doors with more modern, energy-efficient options.

Can I Save Money by Replacing Just a Few Drafty Windows at a Time Instead of All of Them?

Yes, it will offer you some energy savings upfront. When you replace a few windows, it will offer you energy efficiency. But when you go with the consistent – and necessary – collective replacement, you can get aesthetics with greater energy-saving benefits.

Ready to Stop Window Drafts Once and For All?

If you’re ready, call Canadian Choice Windows & Doors today and get a consultation with one of our experts. Check out how our ENERGY STAR® certified windows will help you make a difference this winter.

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