Winter is on the way, and as temperatures drop, it's time to get your home ready to handle the chill. One of the best ways to do this is by focusing on your windows, doors, and other areas prone to heat loss. Cold temperatures can create a drafty environment—one that's anything but energy-efficient—but with a few steps, you can improve your home or apartment, lower your energy bills, and even reduce your environmental footprint, all while staying cozy.
Why It’s Important to Winterize Your Home
"Proactive home maintenance will always be an optimal option versus reactive home maintenance," shares Anthony Perera, Founder of Peak Roofing Partners. "Ensuring that your roof, windows, and doors are properly sealed and secure throughout the year will afford you the necessary time to have repairs and maintenance completed before winter temperatures set in, or you're faced with a catastrophic weather event."
Before we dive into the how-to, let’s quickly talk about the "why." Drafty windows and doors can account for up to 25-30% of heat loss in a home, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Westlake Royal Building Products expands upon this data, sharing that approximately 25% of heat escapes through the roof, too.
This means that if your home isn't properly sealed, you're basically letting money fly out the window (literally). By taking the time to weatherproof your doors, window sills, attic, and HVAC, you'll not only stay warmer but also save on your energy bills and reduce your home's carbon footprint. A win-win!
Step-by-Step Winter Prep
1. Inspect for Drafts
The first step is finding the leaks. A super simple way to do this is the "candle test." Light a candle and hold it near the edges of your windows and doors. If the flame flickers or blows out, you've found a draft. Jeramy Sibley, the President of Glass Doctor, a Neighborly company also cites a (less flammable) technique known as the "paper test," adding "You can use a paper to test for drafts around the window by closing a piece of paper in the door or window jamb; if it slides out easily, there's a gap." Mark those spots so you can come back to them and create a tighter seal.
2. Seal Gaps and Cracks
Once you've identified the drafty areas, it's time to seal them. "Windows are one of the most common places for leaks that let in cold winter air and moisture," highlights Kriss Swint, director of marketing communications and design lead at Westlake Royal Building Products. "Check for air leaks, clean the window tracks of any debris that may interfere with seals and repair any missing or damaged sealant."
Even if you caulked your windows in the past, it’s a good idea to inspect them every year before winter hits. If the caulk is cracked or missing in spots, remove it with a putty knife and reapply. Fresh caulk ensures that cold air stays out and warm air stays in. Plus, it can help keep moisture from creeping in.
For older windows or those with larger gaps, you might need something a bit stronger than caulk. Draft-resistant sealants, like rope caulk or window putty, can fill in those bigger gaps and keep drafts at bay. It's easy to apply, and you don’t need any fancy tools—just a putty knife or your fingers.
3. Apply Window Film
For windows that are especially prone to cold drafts, consider adding a layer of transparent window film. It isn't a permanent solution, but plastic sheeting is a quick, cost-effective way to improve insulation without blocking your view or light. The film sticks directly to the window casement and can make a noticeable difference in how warm your rooms feel. You'll need scissors or a utility knife to cut the film to size, but other than that, it's a simple DIY project.
4. Install Draft Stoppers or Door Sweeps
Don't forget about the bottom of your doors! Cold air loves to sneak in under doors, especially exterior ones. "Door sweeps create an airtight seal underneath entryways, another common leak location," notes Swint. "They come in two forms: u-shaped pieces that slide under aluminum or steel doors and metal strips that screw, nail or staple to door bottoms."
She adds, "Door sweeps have an attached strip made of vinyl, plastic, sponge brush or other air-blocking material. Use it to fill the gap between the bottom of your door and the threshold. To install, measure your door, fit the strip (cut to the correct length if necessary), drill pilot holes and tighten with screws."
If you don't want to install something permanent, you can also use a removable fabric draft stopper, which works just as well and can be stored away when not in use.
5. Use Insulating Window Treatments
Another easy way to prevent heat loss is by installing insulating curtains or heavy drapes. Heavy fabric, like thermal-lined curtains, acts as an extra layer of insulation for your windows. Keep them closed at night to trap heat inside, and open them during the day to let the sunlight naturally warm up your space.
6. Expose Air Vents
"You could be missing out on valuable heat if you’ve accidentally covered a vent with furniture," cautions Swint. "Consider rearranging your rooms to accommodate those key sources of heat in your floors. If you’re struggling to find a perfect arrangement for your furniture, do your best and then supplement with a vent deflector or extender. These nifty little tools push air into a part of the room that your vent doesn’t reach, whether because of placement or obstruction."
7. Install Storm Windows and Doors
If your home has storm windows or storm doors, now’s the time to make the extra glass pane is properly installed and in good condition. Storm windows and double-hung windows add an additional layer of protection against energy loss and can help keep your spaces comfortable during the winter months.
8. Replace or Upgrade Weatherstripping
Weatherstripping around your doors and windows won’t last forever. Over time, it wears down, cracks, or becomes less effective. "Weather stripping your windows’ interiors with felt rolls, foam tape, or rope caulk is a cost-effective solution for older windows with worn out putty or insufficient sealing and caulking," notes Swint. "For the exteriors, sealing cracks or gaps with aesthetically pleasing trim can make a significant difference in keeping the heat in and chilly air out."
You can pick up weatherstripping at any hardware store—it’s affordable and easy to install. Just make sure to follow the package instructions to get the best fit.
9. Insulate Your Attic
"Approximately 25% of a home’s heat escapes through the roof, so insulating your attic may improve your home’s thermal efficiency, take some of the workload off your furnace and potentially lower your heating bill," reminds Swint. "You can install your own attic insulation without busting your budget, and if you’re a DIYer, you should be able to complete the project in a weekend. There are many types of insulation material you can use to fit between attic floor joists, from fiberglass to rockwool to cotton."
Extra Tips for Maximizing Energy Efficiency
- Switch to energy-efficient windows: If you’re planning a bigger renovation down the line, upgrading to double- or triple-pane windows can make a huge difference in how well your home holds heat. Not sure if you need to upgrade yet? Pay attention to the seals. "If you notice any unwanted condensation inside the window glass or around the perimeter of the glass, these could be signs that the seal is failing," notes Sibley.
- Use draft snakes: These fabric tubes can be placed along the base of window frames and doors to add an extra layer of draft protection.
- Weatherproofing kits: You can find all-in-one weatherproofing kits at most hardware stores, which include weatherstripping, caulk, and even window film—perfect if you're looking for a simple solution to get everything you need in one go.
