Share:

Drafty windows can diminish the comfort of your home and cause your heating and cooling bills to skyrocket. However, not all drafty windows will let in noticeable gusts of outdoor air. Some may only have small, barely perceptible leaks. Fortunately, there are ways you can check for drafts. Below, learn about a few of the most popular methods in more detail.

How to Check Your Windows for Drafts

1. Inspect the Physical Condition of the Window

In some cases, you may be able to spot a draft's location just by inspecting the area closely. On the inside, look for loose or cracked weatherstripping, a warped window frame, and small, hairline cracks in the glass. On the outside of the home, check windows for old or damaged caulking, rotting frames, or loose siding. The presence of these issues is a red flag.

windows

2. Light a Candle

On a breezy day, shut off your HVAC system and any ceiling fans, and hold a lit candle near the window seams. If air is getting in, the flame will push or pull with every draft. If no air is getting in, it will remain upright. 

Move the candle to various points around the entire window seam so you can get a full reading. Hold the candle steady, and always be careful of the flame's intensity and any dripping wax to avoid a potential fire hazard.

3. Monitor the Curtains

If you have lightweight curtains, check them for movement when the windows are closed. Switching off any nearby fans and closing any vents in the room will help you get more accurate results. A drafty window will either pull the curtain toward the glass or blow it out into the room. You can likely gauge where the more significant drafts are by studying which part of the curtain flutters most.

 

When you need new windows to replace your drafty ones, contact Innovations Siding & Windows. With more than 20 years of industry experience, they serve property owners throughout Lincoln, NE. They provide new windows, siding, entry doors, seamless gutters, and other home improvement solutions. Call (402) 423-8831 to request a quote. Visit them online to learn more about their services.

tracking