How to Prevent Drafts Around Windows During Winter

With winter on its way, cold air may start rattling windows and increasing heating bills.

In fact, windows are often the key culprits in cold homes, since they can lose as much as 30% of heating energy, according to some estimates.

Even if your windows are relatively new, you could still feel a cold draft coming in, and you may be wondering how to prevent drafts around windows during winter. The good news is that the solution may be relatively simple, and will allow you to both stop the draft and save on your heating bill at the same time.

Let’s take a look at what you can do to increase your comfort levels and decrease your energy bill.

Understanding Why Drafts Form Around Windows

Before we jump into the solution, let’s dive deeper into why the cold draft happens in the first place.

With cold air blowing against your home, the pressure difference between that air and the air indoors creates a suction-like effect. If any gaps or cracks exist, the warm air will be sucked out, while cold air will continue to seep in. This is not to say that this “phenomenon” occurs only during winter; if you have gaps and cracks, the same thing can happen during summer.

This is especially true if your windows and doors have poor sealing or worn-out caulking due to old age.

Similarly, gaps around window frames may exist even if the frames are brand new, which is probably a result of bad installation.

While rare nowadays, it’s important to also check whether you have single-pane windows. If so, do note they offer poor insulation compared to newer double or triple-pane designs.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Prevent Drafts Around Windows During Winter

Once you identify the source of air leaks, it's time to stop cold air coming through windows. Granted, while professional help is always the quickest way to go around this, this is easy enough for most DIY enthusiasts.

Sealing

Start by examining your window frames, sills, and sashes. The best litmus test is a lit candle near potential air gaps if you struggle feeling the breeze with your hand. Once you locate the crack, seal it using flexible, weather-resistant silicone caulk. If the gaps are larger, you can use foam sealants that can do a much better job.

You might also have to consider changing the weatherstripping to restore the window’s original seal.

Insulating Window Films

Adding a layer of insulating window film is one of the most effective window insulation for winter steps you can take. In essence, these films create thin invisible thermal barriers that help retain heat during winter.

If you opt for solar control films, you can also ensure that energy transfer from windows is regulated in the summer as well. Such high-quality energy-efficient window films improve insulation, reduce glare and UV exposure while maintaining clear visibility and natural light ambiance.

Window films can also be beneficial if you want to prevent condensation because it can minimize the temperature differential between the interior and exterior window surface.

Thermal Curtains or Draft Stoppers

Some homeowners opt for layering windows with thermal or insulated curtains to add an extra buffer against the cold air that is coming in. These heavy, tightly woven fabrics can trap warm air inside to further help increase indoor comfort. Thermal curtains are often combined with draft stoppers, fabric tubes filled with insulation material. They’re placed alongside window sills or at the base of sliding windows.

Long-Term Solutions for Energy Efficiency

Quick fixes can offer an immediate solution to drafts around windows during winter, but long-term solutions offer lasting comfort, improved efficiency, and greater value for your property.

Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Windows

The best long-term option, but also the most expensive one, is replacing your windows with more energy-efficient models. This is especially true if your home has single-pane or outdated double-pane windows.

Reinforce Insulation Around Frames

High-quality windows are useless if the surrounding wall insulation is weak or nonexistent. Over time, insulation around the window frame can settle or deteriorate, allowing cold air to find its way inside.

Install Energy-Efficient Window Films

Adding a professional-grade thermal window film is the best long-term enhancement to windows that won’t burn a hole in your wallet. These films act as an invisible insulation layer offering year-round comfort. For homeowners and building managers, this is a cost-effective, professional solution that will reduce energy costs, reduce maintenance costs, and can be done as a DIY project.

Stay Warm, Save Energy, and Enjoy Comfort All Winter

If you’re looking for how to prevent drafts around windows during winter, remember these four principles: inspect, seal, insulate, and maintain. In addition, if you want a long-term solution but are on a tight budget, energy-efficient window films are the only option that has the highest return on investment.

Ready to make your home draft-free this winter? Discover our insulating window film solutions and explore more expert tips on our Solar Screen Blog to stay warm and energy-efficient all season.