Achoo! You wake up one morning and you aren’t feeling so great. You have a headache, runny nose, and a sore throat. It was cold last night and your bed is beside an old, drafty window. What happened? Can drafty windows make you sick?
Here in New England, drafty windows are pretty common during the winter months. The persistent chill and the whistling winds make them more evident than ever.
So, can drafty windows make you sick? Drafty windows don’t directly cause illnesses–but the indirect effects of drafty windows on your health are not to be overlooked.
Can drafty windows make you sick? The link between drafty windows and illness
Can drafty windows make you sick? Not exactly. However, drafty windows can lead to a series of discomforts and health issues. The problem comes from the cold air that’s entering your home.
Why does cold air make you feel sick?
When it’s cold, the air is usually dry. That dry air can dry out the mucus in your nose. Mucus is super important because it traps germs and stops them from getting into your body. When there’s less mucus, it’s easier for germs to get in and make you sick.
Also, cold air can make your immune system a bit slower to respond to these germs. Plus, we tend to stay indoors more when it’s cold. And while we’re indoors, we’re close to other people without much ventilation. This makes it even easier to get sick.
So, it’s not exactly the cold air itself that makes you sick. But it kind of sets up the perfect situation for sickness. Make sense?
Do drafty windows lead to poor indoor air quality?
If you’re feeling sick in a cold home during the winter, another concern is the impact on indoor air quality. Drafty windows often mean poor insulation and sealing. They allow not just cold air but also pollutants and allergens to enter your home. Mold spores are the most common indoor allergen during the winter season.
This influx of outdoor air contaminants can aggravate allergies, asthma, and other respiratory conditions. These can make you feel pretty lousy, especially when your windows are drafty and you can’t stay warm.
Do you have drafty windows? Here’s how to tell
Sometimes it’s obvious when you have drafty windows. You can feel cold air coming in from outside. But other times the signs aren’t so obvious. You might notice certain signs such as:
- A noticeable chill near the windows
- Rattling sounds
- Visible gaps around the frame
- Certain rooms feel colder than others
Don’t forget about the candle or incense stick test. Hold a lit candle or incense stick near the window seams; if the flame flickers, you’re dealing with drafts.
How to stop drafty windows
Are you wondering how to stop drafty windows? You aren’t alone. After all, if your windows weren’t so drafty, you might not wake up with headaches or sinus issues.
Tackling drafty windows can range from simple DIY fixes to total replacement by residential window contractors. Here are a few ways to stop drafts by winter proofing your windows:
- Seal gaps with construction-grade silicone caulking
- Upgrade with quality weather-stripping
- Hang heavy drapes
- Be mindful of your window’s energy efficiency ratings
Keep in mind that winter window installation is completely possible. Sometimes the DIY quick fixes stop drafty windows. When this is the case, the easiest way to stop drafty windows is to call us. Believe it or not, winter can be the best time to replace home windows for many reasons!
Drafty windows making you sick? Enjoy easy winter window installation with Coastal Windows & Exteriors
Not to brag, but we have the most airtight windows in the industry. Our windows are rated .01 CFM, which means they’re as airtight as you can get for window replacement. Say goodbye to drafts and hello to comfort!
Your new windows will also exceed the new Energy Star 7.0 requirements, which you can read about by clicking here. If you are worried that your drafty windows are making you sick, please get in touch with us. Our team consists of A+ window installers who pay incredible attention to every detail. Never worry about sloppy work or failing window performance with us!
