How to Spot Drafty Windows Before Summer
As the weather warms up, homeowners start preparing their homes for summer. While you might focus on getting your air conditioning system ready, your windows play a major role in keeping your home cool and energy-efficient. Drafty windows allow hot air to enter and cool air to escape, making your HVAC system work harder, which drives up energy bills.
Spotting window drafts early can help you avoid high cooling costs and an uncomfortable home during the summer months. Here’s how to identify drafty windows and what you can do to fix them.
Common Signs of Drafty Windows
1. Feeling a Breeze or Temperature Change Near Windows
The most obvious sign of a drafty window is feeling a slight breeze or a temperature shift when standing near it. Even when your windows are closed, warm air from outside shouldn’t seep in.
2. Higher Energy Bills
If your cooling costs are unexpectedly high, air leaks around your windows could be the culprit. When cold air escapes, your AC has to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature, leading to increased energy consumption.
3. Difficulty Opening and Closing Windows
Windows that stick, are hard to lock, or won’t stay shut properly often have gaps that let in outside air. Over time, window frames can warp or shift, creating spaces where air leaks in.
4. Condensation Between Window Panes
Double- or triple-pane windows have insulated glass filled with gas to improve energy efficiency. If you notice condensation or fogging between the panes, the window seal is broken, allowing air to pass through.
How to Test for Air Leaks
One simple way to check for drafts is the candle test:
- Close all windows and doors.
- Hold a lit candle near the window frame.
- If the flame flickers or moves, you have an air leak.
Another method is using an infrared thermometer to measure temperature changes around the window edges. A significant difference between the window area and the rest of the room indicates poor insulation.
How to Fix Drafty Windows
If you’ve identified drafty windows, here are a few solutions:
- Apply weatherstripping to seal small gaps around the frame.
- Use caulk to fill cracks or separations where the window meets the wall.
- Install insulated curtains to reduce heat transfer and block drafts.
- Upgrade to energy-efficient windows for a long-term solution that improves home comfort and lowers energy costs.
Fixing drafty windows before summer helps keep your home cool, reduce energy waste, and lower your utility bills. If your windows are outdated or have significant air leaks, Window Depot can help with high-performance, energy-efficient window replacements.
