When the temperature drops, do you feel gusts of frigid air blowing into your house? Upon close examination, do you notice that the cold air is coming from the windows and exterior doors? Did you answer yes to either of these questions? If so, then you’re going to want to figure out how you can resolve the issue – and fast, before colder winter weather arrives.
How to Keep Cold Air from Coming Through Doors and Windows
Cold air blowing through doors and windows can be a serious problem. Not only does cold air entering your home negatively impact your comfort and overall health and well-being, but it can also be detrimental to the efficiency of your home. Your heating system will need to work harder to keep your house warm, and the harder the system works, the more energy it will use. The more energy your heater uses, the higher your utility bills will be.
Preventing Cold Air Leaks
One of the most effective ways to prevent cold air from blowing through exterior doors and windows is by simply replacing them for newer, more energy efficient models. However, that can be quite an expensive and time-consuming proposition.
If replacing your doors and windows is not an option for you, fortunately, there are methods that you can use that will effectively prevent cold air leaks. Here’s a look at some simple tips that you can use to prevent cold air from entering your home through the doors and windows, to improve the comfort and energy efficiency of your home.
Apply Weather Stripping
Weather stripping is an inexpensive way to seal your home’s doors and windows. You don’t need to have advanced handyman skills to apply weather stripping.
There are three main types of weather stripping: foam, compression, and V-type.
Foam Weather Stripping
This type of weather stripping is available in a variety of sizes and features adhesive backing on one side. Foam is the easiest to install, but it only has a lifespan of about one to three years.
V-type Weather Stripping
V-type weather stripping fits against the side of a window or door jam, creating a durable, yet movable seal.
Compression Weather Stripping
Compression is the most difficult to install (though it really isn’t that difficult), yet it’s the most durable and longest lasting.
Install Door Sweeps
To prevent cold air from coming through doors, try installing new door sweeps. Door sweeps are applied to the bottom of an exterior door, and create a seal that stops cold air from traveling through gaps.
While door sweeps can be purchased at any home improvement store, you will want to make sure that you get a draft stopper that is fits properly. Measure the length of the bottom of the door when it’s closed to determine what size you’ll need.
Apply Caulk
Re-caulking windows and doors can also help to prevent cold air from coming through windows and doors. Using a caulk gun to apply caulk will help seal up any cracks around the windows and doors, thereby blocking the cold air from blowing in. There are several types of caulk; just make sure you choose a high-quality option for the tightest seal and the longest-lasting results.
Use Window Film
If cold air is blowing through the window glass, then you can try applying film over the windows. While this is not typically a problem with newer, double-pane windows, it is a common problem with older, single-paned windows.
Cold air blowing through the window glass can really cause a great deal of discomfort and can result in higher energy bills. Window film creates an additional layer of insulation over the glass and acts as a buffer. Make sure you get a good fit and use a blow-dryer to heat the window film after installing it to shrink the film and block out drafts.
Use Foam Tape
If you’re looking for a cost-effective way to repair drafty windows and exterior doors, try applying foam tape. Foam tape, which, as the name suggests, is made of foam material, features a sticky backing, and can be purchased at almost all home improvement stores.
Simply remove the protective strip from the sticky material and place it around the casement of your doors and windows – the bottom, top, and sides. While foam tape is an alternative to weather stripping, it isn’t as effective or durable, and the results won’t last as long.
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Discount Window and Door of Omaha
At Discount Window and Door of Omaha, we are committed to providing the best quality doors and replacement windows. We employ the most skilled installers to ensure the highest standard of quality service. Our Omaha door and window installers are highly trained, certified industry professionals with years of experience, including some second and third-generation employees.