The draft disappointed you? As the outdoor temperature drops sharply, leaking windows can make your house feel completely cold inside—not to mention that your hard-earned heating bills fly out of the window and cost you money. According to the US Department of Energy, reducing airflow in your home can save 5% to 30% of energy each year, while also keeping your family comfortable.
There are many ways to reduce heating costs, from installing simple weather strips to replacing windows. Earlier, we have collected a series of solutions to repair ventilation windows that fit the budget.
To fix the draft window, your first task is to determine the source of the draft. If you can feel a breeze or airflow when you pass by or bring your hand close to a window, it is time to solve the problem. Other signs are fogging of the glass or condensation in the windows and between the panes. This means that the sealing may be affected, and the windows are not as thermally insulated as they should. Finally, obvious damage to the weather strip (internal or external) may mean that cold air is entering.
If you are still unsure of the source of the airflow—especially when your energy bill goes up for no clear reason—you can use a matchstick or candle to check the window airflow. Do this by slowly moving the flame around the window frame. If the flame bends or flickers at any time, mark the location with a small sticky note so you can return and seal it.
Buy 10 Yards 3M Clear Weather Sealing Tape on Amazon for $7.99
Related: 14 new uses for old candles
The beanbag snake is a classic solution to drafts, but you will usually see it on the door. This windshield from Home Intuition is also suitable for windows and prevents cold air from infiltrating through the cracks between the window sash and the window sill.
The size of this model fits a 36-inch long window. With its 4 inch thick size, wool material and polyester filling, this snake is a strong barrier against the elderly in winter. The hanging loop is a nice touch and can easily store the wind plug when not in use.
Get the Home Intuition 3-foot draft plug on Amazon for $18.95
Although they are more of an investment than other solutions, windshields (such as Larson aluminum windshields) are the most effective way to stop airflow. The aluminum windshield is installed on the outside of the window frame to provide additional insulating glass panels to prevent cold air from penetrating into the home.
Adding a windshield to your existing windows is more costly than most other solutions and more difficult to install. According to the US Department of Energy, the benefit is that they can save you up to 30% on heating and cooling costs.
Buy LARSON aluminum storm windows at The Home Depot for only $98
Most home improvement stores have plastic shrink film insulation kits. Like other similar products, the 3M indoor window insulation kit includes everything needed to apply insulation film on up to five standard windows. Double-sided tape holds the film in place until the final step of the quick and easy installation process, when you use a blower to shrink the film to achieve an airtight seal.
Buy 3M Indoor Window Insulation Kit (for 5 windows) on Amazon for $18.89
For ventilated doors and windows, one of the easiest DIY solutions is to repair, replace or add weather strips. Duck brand heavy-duty self-adhesive sealing strip has good sealing effect, reasonable price, and a variety of sizes to choose from. More importantly, its rubber structure provides excellent wind protection.
In other words, there are many types of weather strips that are worth considering, including felt weather strips (sold in rolls), V-sealed weather strips (sold in both plastic and spring metal forms), and expanded spray foam weather strips ( Sold as aerosol cans).
You can buy Duck Brand Heavy Duty Adhesive Sealing Strip Seals on Amazon for only $4.88
Window caulking is the first line of defense against cold air. Unfortunately, joint fillers degrade over time, inevitably creating small cracks and crevices that allow cold air to enter. Therefore, it is best to regularly check the caulk around the window frame and check for any signs of malfunction. The low-cost, user-friendly rope caulk is an excellent solution for repairing small cracks and gaps in window caulking, and it can be installed with only your fingers. At the same time, larger openings in the caulk require complete removal and replacement of the caulk that is no longer feasible.
Buy a roll of 45-foot Frost King Caulking Cord on Amazon for $6.76
Seasonally replace your light curtains with heavier curtains that enhance heat insulation, such as curtains, layered curtains, honeycomb curtains (trapping air between the fabric layers) or Roman curtains also help prevent cold winds Enter. This set of thermal insulation curtains uses three layers of fabric to provide insulation on the windows (of course, when the curtains are closed), helping to reduce energy bills. Bonus: The decoration of your room has also been upgraded.
Buy Deconovo solid insulation curtains on Amazon for $11.89
critical moment? This is just a temporary solution, but if you need to fix the draft and need it now, consider using bubble wrap to seal the window. The bubble film is sold in rolls. If you already have some on hand, just cut it to the right size and use double-sided tape to hold the plastic in place. Standard bubble wrap is 24 inches wide and covers 350 square feet of windows. Or use this insulated, reflective wrap, which has a roll that is 2 feet wide and 10 feet long, and has a heat-reflecting foil surface.
Buy double bubble reflective foil insulation on Amazon for $21.77
Cracked window panes will allow cold air to enter and exit your home, increasing your energy bills. Replacing broken panes should be a priority, but here is a short-term solution that will keep you until payday: clear nail polish, such as this one from Sally Hansen, is almost completely dry. It can seal glass cracks and prevent windows from further cracking.
Sally Hansen Reinforced Topcoat (2-pack) can be purchased on Amazon for only $10
Thermal insulation curtains are one way to block airflow, and honeycomb curtains are another way. The honeycomb design of these curtains creates multiple air pockets that help keep warm air in the home while preventing cold air from entering. They are available in a variety of colors to suit different styles of decoration, so they will not compromise the beauty of the room. Honeycomb curtains are most effective when the curtains are tightly attached to the window frame.
You can buy CHICOLOGY Cellular Shades on Amazon for only $84.26
Although this method is not practical for windows in home living areas, it is a good solution for ventilated basement windows. Purchase Styrofoam panels such as this R-5 sheath and insulation material from your local home improvement store. Cut both to the size of the window. Put the insulating material inside the window frame, and then the styrofoam board. The circuit board holds the insulating material in place to prevent cold air from entering.
Purchase Owens Corning Foam Board Insulation at Home Depot for $24.97
Replacing windows is an investment, but if old, inefficient windows cost you hundreds of dollars or more of energy per year, it will be well worth it. According to Energy.com, poorly ventilated windows can increase your energy bills by as much as 25%. Replacing these windows with Energy Star rated models, such as American Craftsman White Vinyl Windows, will reduce these costs. Although the upfront cost of the new windows is considerable, you will eventually earn the money back through the savings in utility bills.
Buy American Craftsman White Vinyl Windows at Home Depot, starting at $119
As of the latest update on November 29, 2021, the prices listed here are accurate.
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