Got Cold Air Leaks? Replace Your Windows, Plus Use These Tips to Make Your Home Warmer This Winter

Here in the Twin Cities, dealing with cold spots and drafts indoors is too often commonplace. Minnesota winters can be hard on all of us, and while we’d like to be warm and snug in our own homes, sometimes the weather makes its way in.  Sealing out those drafty areas is important, both for comfort as well as lower heating bills.  Here are some ways you can do just that.

Replace your windows and doors with energy-efficient models: Energy audits show that the major sources of heat loss in a home are through window and door openings. Older exterior doors and windows don’t fit as well as they did when they were first installed, so air can leak in around the frames. Even the smallest gap can result in a draft as well as heat loss. Single-pane glass is a poor insulator as well, so if you’ve got old windows with single panes, we highly recommend that you start with having new windows installed that have double panes.

The only exception to this? If you’ve got an older or historic home with the original wood windows that are still in good shape abut are just drafty.  We generally don’t recommend replacement. The lumber used for today’s genuine wood windows can’t compare to the wood used back in the day. So our suggestion for homeowners who have those wonderful old windows that still work well but just don’t keep out the cold is to add storm windows that will seal out cold drafts while protecting the exterior window frames from the elements.

In addition to having energy-efficient exterior doors and windows installed in your home, here are other things you can do:

Take These Steps to Seal Out Cold Air Drafts in Your Home

1. Always engage the sash locks on your windows.  Windows that aren’t locked can let in air where the window sections meet.
2. Add temporary caulk to windows you know you aren’t going to open this winter.  This adds another layer of protection that even the most energy-efficient windows can benefit from.
3. Install weather stripping along both sides of your exterior door jambs, not just where the door closes.
4. Install sweeps at the bottom of your entry doors.
5. Use spray foam with minimal expansion in all areas on outside walls where there is some sort of penetration, such as for cables, pipes, and vents. It might surprise you how much cold air can come in through a small crack.
6. Install rubber gaskets or insulating plates in electrical outlets and switch plates on outside walls. They sell these pre-cut at home improvement stores.

If you’ve decided you don’t want to live through another Minnesota winter in a drafty home, talk to us today about having energy-efficient windows and exterior doors installed. There’s no obligation for a free in-home consultation, and we can get you on the way to comfort faster than you might think!

Window Outfitters, Inc. is a licensed Minnesota residential building contractor specializing in energy-efficient exterior home improvement services. We work throughout the greater Twin Cities metro area. 

 

Window Outfitters is a premier Window Replacement, doors, siding contractor and installer. As Contractor in the St Paul, Minneapolis, (Twin Cities) Minnesota (MN) metro, we proudly serve, but are not limited to, the following areas: Minneapolis Energy Efficient Vinyl Windows, Replacement Window Contractors Minnesota, Burnsville, Apple Valley, Lakeville, Savage, Bloomington, Edina, Richfield, Eagan, St Paul, Hastings, Minnetonka, Plymouth, Maple Grove, Eden Prairie, Farmington MN, Chaska, Shakopee, Chanhassen, Victoria, Mendota Heights Anderson Windows Minneapolis, Marvin Windows Minneapolis.