Studies have found that on average, up to a quarter of a home’s heat can escape through the windows! Now that it’s cold outside, it’s easy to do a test to find out if your windows are problematic in your home. All you have to do is stand in front of each one. If you feel a draft, you’ve got a problem. Next to replacing the window, use one of these temporary fixes:
SEAL: Buy strips of self-stick rubber weather sealing at a hardware store. Cut long strips to fit the window, then peel and stick to the frame to close any gaps and keep out drafts.
SHRINK FILM: Buy a window insulation kit from your local home supply store, and follow instructions to apply plastic shrink film to the indoor window frame with double-stick tape. Heat with a hair dryer to shrink the film and remove any wrinkles. If need be, you can use bubble wrap instead. Push the bubble side of the wrap against the glass and adhere with double-sided tape.
SHADES: Specialty cellular shades insulate while still letting in light through the windows. You can order these special shades from home and design centers.
CURTAINS: Use heavy fabrics or layered curtains over the window to keep out drafts.
DIY SNAKES: Draft snakes are fabric tubes placed on a window sill or under a door to prevent cold air from creeping in. If you feel up to a Do-It-Yourself project, make one by sewing a tube of fabric to fit the width of your window or door, then fill it with uncooked rice.
