Is cold air sneaking through your windows this winter? You’re not alone. Even one drafty window can reduce your heating efficiency by a significant percentage. The good news? Most drafts are easy to find and fix yourself.

At Lancaster Door Service, we help homeowners solve window draft problems every day. Here’s exactly how to detect drafts and what you can do about them.

How to Tell If Your Windows Are Drafty

The Hand Test: On a cold day, slowly move your hand around your window frame, sash, and glass. You’ll feel cold air where drafts exist. Simple and effective.

The Candle Test: Light a candle or incense stick and hold it near window edges and corners. If the flame flickers or smoke streams sideways, you’ve found a draft. Just keep it away from curtains.

Look for These Warning Signs

  • Daylight visible between frame and wall
  • Cracked or missing caulk
  • Worn weatherstripping
  • Condensation between window panes
  • Peeling paint around the frame

The Dollar Bill Test: Close a dollar bill in the window. If you can pull it out easily, air is leaking through.

Where Windows Leak Cold Air

Moving Parts: Double-hung and sliding windows leak where the sashes meet. Weatherstripping wears out over time, creating gaps.

Frame Edges: The gap where your window frame meets the wall is a major culprit. Caulk cracks and falls out, especially on older homes.

Single-Pane Glass: Old single-pane windows offer almost no insulation. Even double-pane windows leak if the seal fails.

Sills and Corners: Bottom sills and corner joints develop gaps as houses settle. These small openings add up fast.

Temporary vs Permanent Solutions

Budget-Friendly Temporary Fixes

Window Insulation Kits: Plastic film creates an air pocket that blocks cold. According to the EPA, sealing leaks can cut heating costs by 15-20%. These kits work surprisingly well for the price.

Quick install, makes windows look cloudy, needs replacing each year

Heavy Curtains or Cellular Shades: Block cold when closed. Looks nice but only works when drawn.

Draft Stoppers: Fabric tubes for window sills. Cheap and easy but only stops bottom drafts.

Long-Term Solutions

Professional Caulking: Removing old caulk and applying fresh exterior-grade caulk seals frame gaps for years.

New Weatherstripping: Professional installation ensures a tight seal that lasts.

Window Replacement Modern Energy Star windows with double panes and low-E coatings provide the best insulation. Higher cost upfront but delivers real energy savings year after year.

Storm Windows: Add an extra barrier without replacing existing windows. Good option for historic homes.

When to Call a Pro

DIY works for most drafts, but call Lancaster Door Service if you have:

  • Warped, rotting, or damaged window frames
  • Fog between double-pane glass (seal failure)
  • Drafts you can’t find
  • Windows you’re considering replacing

Bottom Line

Start by finding your drafts with the hand or candle test. For quick fixes, grab some weatherstripping or window film kits. For long-term comfort, invest in caulking or new windows.

Don’t wait: every day you delay costs you in terms of excessive energy bills.

Ready to stop the cold? Contact Lancaster Door Service today for expert help with your drafty windows.