The most effective long-term solution is replacing old windows with new, properly sealed units.
The most effective long-term solution is replacing old windows with new, properly sealed units.
Temporary fixes include adding weather stripping or shrink-wrap film, but they don’t address the root cause.
Steps to address drafty windows
- Identify the Source — Hold a candle or incense stick near window edges on a windy day to pinpoint exactly where cold air is entering your home.
- Check Weather Stripping — Worn or compressed weather stripping is the most common culprit, and replacing it is a simple first step that can reduce drafts noticeably.
- Inspect the Frame — Cracks, gaps, or warped frames allow air to bypass the window entirely, making even good glass ineffective at blocking the cold.
- Consider the Glass — Single-pane windows offer almost no insulation, and 9 out of 10 homes in the U.S. are under-insulated according to energy studies.
- Upgrade to Modern Windows — New windows with triple weather stripping and 0.1 CFM air infiltration ratings eliminate drafts at the source.
- Seal Exterior Gaps — Deteriorated caulking around the outside of window frames can let wind-driven rain and cold air into wall cavities.
Reduced air infiltration cuts natural gas or heating oil consumption by 15% according to Energy Star.
Best Long-Term Fix: Full window replacement with Energy Star 7.0 certified windows from a trusted window contractors in Bellingham MA team.
Stop the drafts this winter. Coastal Windows & Exteriors provides free estimates for Bellingham homeowners.
Request a free window estimate from Coastal Windows & Exteriors.
Browse our complete window FAQ guide from Coastal Windows & Exteriors.
Explore our Windows Exterior Remodeling Home Improvement Help Center.
Last Updated: May 2026
Sources:
- Nine out of ten homes in the U.S. are under-insulated. ENERGY STAR Why Seal and Insulate ENERGY STAR’s guidance on the prevalence of under-insulation in American homes and the benefits of sealing and insulating. (Accessed May 2026)
- Reducing air infiltration in the home cuts natural gas or heating oil consumption by 15%. ENERGY STAR Why Seal and Insulate ENERGY STAR’s guidance on how sealing air leaks reduces energy consumption for heating and cooling. (Accessed May 2026)
