Have you noticed cold air coming through your windows? Have your energy bills increased without any apparent reasons? Have you started feeling less comfortable in your house? If so, your windows probably aren’t well insulated.
Luckily, there are some easy ways to fix this – but only if the problem is fixable. If not, you’ll likely have to look for replacement windows. No need to worry, though – we’re here to guide you on how to identify the issue, how to keep cold air from coming through windows, and what to look for in new windows if you think the investment is worth it.
Key Takeaways
- Cold air comes through windows if there’s an issue with the window frame, the locking mechanisms, the hardware, the weatherstripping, or the caulking. Gaps can form between the window frame and the wall if the windows aren’t installed properly or as a result of a shifting foundation.
- To stop cold air coming through windows, you can install Magic’s thermal blinds, secondary glazing, window inserts, and insulating window film. You can also hang thermal curtains and use bubble wrap to block cold air. If your windows are old, it’s best to replace them and opt for double-pane windows.
- Contact Magic to get the most energy-efficient windows in Ontario that are 100% tailored to the climate of this region.
Why Do I Feel Cold Air Coming Through My Windows?
Here are the most common problems that allow cold air in through the windows:
- Gaps around the window. These gaps can be caused by seal failure, poor installation, and cracks or damage to window caulking. They can also appear as a consequence of shifting foundation.
- Old windows that are warped or cracked eventually cause tiny, visually unnoticeable gaps that will affect the windows’ energy efficiency.
- Rotten or moldy wood windows. The more moisture-damaged the windows are, the more gaps in their structure.
- Old weatherstripping and caulking. Weatherstripping is the insulating material used for the movable window components, while caulking is used for stationary parts. They have to be replaced once in a while; otherwise, they will limit the insulating capabilities of your windows.
- Worn-out locking mechanisms or other hardware components. Cold air can slip in through the gaps that appear if the windows aren’t properly locked.
- Window type. Some windows aren’t as well insulated as other windows, so if you’ve recently replaced casement windows with, let’s say, sliding windows, you may feel the difference. The sliding windows’ mechanism doesn’t allow the same degree of insulation as the mechanism of casement windows.
- Cracked glass. Obviously, when there’s an issue with the glass, the windows aren’t as efficient anymore.
While some of these issues can be solved with the solutions below, others won’t go away with an easy fix. You may need professional window repair services or even replacement windows.
Remember that identifying the source of drafts early on can save you a lot of trouble down the line. Now, let’s see how we can solve drafty windows!
10 Ways to Keep Cold Air From Coming Through Windows
Did you know you can cut up to 45% of your energy consumption if your windows and doors are properly insulated? In other words – if you notice drafts around your windows, address the issue as soon as possible. Otherwise, you’ll eventually spend a lot on your energy bills.
As such, if you want to discover how to insulate windows, we’ve prepared 10 ways that will help you do this – some of them can be relied on even if you need new windows but can’t replace them at the moment.
1. Install Magic’s Thermal Blinds
By far the best method to prevent cold air coming through your windows is installing Magic’s thermal blinds.
Magic’s thermal blinds are made of an insulating material that significantly improves a window’s energy efficiency. Double-glazed windows coupled with our thermal blinds are 40% more energy-efficient than triple-glazed windows!
The cool thing about our thermal blinds is that they’re fully retractable. This way, you can open them during cold winter nights to prevent warm air from escaping through the windows and cold air from coming in and retract them in the morning when you want those sun rays to warm up your room!
Another great thing about our thermal blinds is that they’re covered by our 40-year warranty, just like our windows. And you can customize them however you want based on design needs!
2. Replace Weatherstripping and Caulking
Replacing weatherstripping and caulking should be your first go-to solution, especially if you haven’t done this in a while and notice that they’re showing signs of wear and tear. Remember that caulking is used for stationary parts, and weatherstripping is for movable parts.
You can choose acrylic latex caulk, polyurethane caulk, butyl rubber caulk, or silicone caulk. Butyl rubber caulk is the most resistant and is usually preferred for regions with extreme temperatures. Make sure to remove old caulking before applying a new layer. In addition, avoid applying caulk on weep holes and trimmed-out windows, as well as above the window frames.
Weatherstripping is an efficient, inexpensive solution to seal windows and doors, enhancing insulation and curbing energy costs. There are different types of weather strips, including tension seals, reinforced foam, rolled vinyl, felt, and reinforced silicone. Each is designed for different applications. For example, a tension seal is best for double-hung windows, reinforced foam weather stripping is best installed on the top or bottom of the window sash, and felt is designed to be applied around the window sash.
3. Replace Worn Out Hardware or Locks
Suppose you have a casement window that operates with a crank mechanism. If it breaks, the window sash won’t press tightly against the frame. This will result in gaps and cold air infiltration. The same goes for broken locking mechanisms on, let’s say, double-hung windows. In other words, a window is like a machine – it will only perform at its best if all its components do their job well; if one component fails, the whole structure fails.
Therefore, make sure to check that the locks, hinges, handles, rollers, and other hardware components aren’t worn-out or broken. If your windows are old, the hardware is almost certainly worn-out too, so it may be time to replace them.
If you don’t want to worry about worn-out hardware, install Magic windows – thanks to our patented Parallex Hardware, our windows and their components are almost maintenance-free and last 40+ years!
4. Apply Window Insulation Film
Window insulation films are sheets of plastic that shrink when heated, creating a barrier against cold air. On the one hand, they’re easy to install. On the other hand, it’s not the best insulating barrier for a window. But if you’re looking for a quick, short-term fix, go for it.
To apply the film, stick the sheet onto the window’s inner frame, then use a hair dryer to heat it, making it shrink and cling to the surface. This process effectively seals out drafts and prevents heat loss.
There’s another major downside you may want to consider – the film will create a cloudy effect over your windows. It may also lower their Visible Transmittance – meaning it won’t let as much natural light in, so you’ll probably have to rely on artificial lighting more.
5. Hang Thermal Insulated Curtains
Thermal curtains can reduce heat loss by up to 25% during winter. These curtains usually have three or four layers that trap air in between, preventing it from escaping or entering the room.
While thermal curtains are great at keeping the cold air out, they are quite thick; otherwise, they won’t be able to prevent air movements. Therefore, they’ll darken the room when closed, so you may spend more on artificial lighting. In addition, curtains require regular maintenance – you’ll have to dust, clean, and iron them.
6. Use Door Snakes
Door snakes, also called draft stoppers, are fabric tubes filled with rice or sand designed to prevent drafts. They can be used for both windows and doors. This is an excellent way to keep your room warm in the winter, although it’s definitely not a long-term solution. If your windows are severely damaged, consider replacing them if possible.
Door snakes have some limitations:
- They are only effective at the base of the window.
- They can accumulate dust, pet hair, and other debris over time.
- If a door snake gets wet, it can develop mold or mildew, and you’ll likely have to throw it away.
- Door snakes can serve as a cozy nook for insects, and you probably won’t even know about this until it becomes a problem.
7. Install Secondary Glazing
Secondary glazing is basically a layer of glass added to existing windows and connected to the frame. You can remove it anytime. This is a budget-friendly alternative to upgrading to double-glazed windows. In addition, you can install secondary glazing by yourself.
Besides insulating your windows against cold air infiltration, secondary glazing serves as an excellent soundproofing method. So, if you live in a noisy area, your sleep will definitely improve with secondary glazing! Furthermore, these systems often have ventilation vents that prevent moisture build-up.
On the other hand, secondary glazing can affect the amount of natural light that passes through your windows.
8. Upgrade to Double Pane Windows
If you have single-pane windows, it’s worth considering adding another layer of glass. While upgrading to double glazing is more expensive than installing secondary glazing, it’s absolutely worth it in terms of energy efficiency. And if the window frame is intact, you can retrofit the windows, as it’s an affordable solution. On the other hand, if your window frame is old and you notice gaps around it, retrofitting to double-pane windows is a useless expense. In this case, you should replace the entire window unit.
So why are double-pane windows so energy-efficient? Well, a double-pane window is an Insulated Glass Unit. This means that the two glass panes are separated by a warm edge spacer. Then, the space between them is filled with an insulating inert gas, exponentially improving the unit’s energy efficiency. If equipped with Low-E coatings, the better!
If the winters in your region are extremely cold, you may even consider upgrading to triple-pane windows. However, they are more expensive and not everyone needs them. Most of the time, Magic’s double-pane windows with our Thermal Blinds are more than enough to withstand the harshest Canadian winters. In fact, our thermal blinds make double-pane windows more energy-efficient than triple-pane windows – and they don’t even cost that much!
You may also be eligible for various loans directed towards homeowners who want to improve the energy efficiency of their houses. All in all, the investment is quite significant but 100% worth it in the long run.
9. Use Bubble Wrap
Do you know the bubble wrap everyone uses as an anti-stress method? It’s an excellent insulating material, especially the one with large bubbles! However, insulating your windows with bubble wrap is certainly not the most aesthetically pleasing solution. But if you’re looking for a quick fix, this is it!
All you have to do is spray water onto the glass, apply the wrap with the bubbly side towards the glass, and press onto it until the wrap is fixed. That’s it!
10. Install Window Inserts
Window inserts are panels of acrylic glazing edged with a compression tube. You’ll have to order window inserts, as they’re usually custom-made. Once they arrive, all you have to do is press them into place – as easy as that!
This is an excellent fix for drafty windows, and compared to bubble wrap, it’s aesthetically pleasing. In addition, inserts can also soundproof your windows.
Looking for Replacement Windows? Contact Magic!
Keeping cold air from coming through your windows is essential for maintaining a warm and comfortable home during winter. While these solutions make for a quick fix, they won’t be of help long-term if the windows are old. Therefore, it’s worth considering investing in new windows.
If you don’t know where to start, book a free in-home consultation with Magic. One of our project managers will assess your existing windows and provide you with an estimated price for new windows. Needless to say, we’re dedicated to finding the best possible solution tailored to your specific needs and region’s climate!
Frequently Asked Questions
How to stop cold air from coming in from a window?
To stop cold air from coming in from a window, you should install Magic’s thermal blinds, replace weatherstripping and caulking if they’re old, use door snakes, install secondary glazing or window inserts, apply insulating window films or bubble wrap, or install replacement windows.
What causes drafty windows?
Drafty windows are often caused by window seal failure, poor installation, and cracks in the window caulk. Sometimes, drafts come through windows if some hardware components are worn-out and the windows aren’t properly sealed when closed.
What is the cheapest way to seal windows for winter?
Weather strips, door snakes, bubble wrap, and insulating window film are some inexpensive yet effective ways to seal windows for winter.
What is the benefit of upgrading to double or triple-pane windows?
Upgrading to double or triple-pane windows can significantly improve energy efficiency, reduce heat loss, stabilize indoor temperatures, and lower energy bills.