You want your home to be comfortably cool in the summer and toasty warm on frigid winter nights. If there are gaps around windows and doors, unwanted outdoor air can infiltrate your living spaces, making the interior unpleasant. Fortunately, there are ways to check for air leaks in your house, so you can address them, as the guide below explains.

Where to Look for Drafts

Visually inspect your house, making a note of any gaps, cracks, or fissures where air can enter. You may feel breezes coming from these openings. Windows that are poorly insulated or have rotting or damaged frames may also produce whistling sounds caused by outdoor air infiltration. 

Pay attention to windows that are misaligned. They may be difficult to open or close, leaving room for air to get in or out. 

You should also visit your basement and attic and check out any crawlspaces. Wall outlets, furnace flues, recessed lighting, and plumbing vents can also have small fissures for producing air leaks. 

If this method doesn't work, you can also carefully walk around the house with a lit candle. Stand still in front of the areas described above. If the flame flickers or burns out, there is likely a draft.

What to Do About Them

If your windows are drafty, you can apply weatherstripping around the frame. However, if they are older, consider window replacement. A new setup with better insulation will help keep the house comfortable year-round. In addition, when properly installed, new windows can lower energy bills. The HVAC system won’t have to work overtime to maintain your desired temperatures. 

Installing insulation in basements and attics can also seal up drafty spaces.

If one of your windows has reached the end of its life span, turn to Papillion Windows & Siding for replacement products. For over 15 years, they have provided residents of Papillion, NE, with quality products and superior installation services. The licensed, insured, and bonded supplier and contractor offers an extensive inventory for the industry’s leading manufacturers. From unlimited warranties to competitive and fair pricing, count on this award-winning company to get the job done right the first time. For more information on window replacement, call (402) 597-1777 or stop by the store. Visit the website for the full lineup of services.