How to Keep Cold Air Out from Windows

Are there some rooms in your house that are always chilly in the winter, even with the heat on? Or do you feel cold air coming through the window frame? Those are both clues that your windows may be leaking. If your windows are fairly old and have seen better days (especially if they are the basic windows that came with the house), you want to pay attention to this blog. Windows leaking cold air during the winter make your home less comfortable AND cost you extra money on your heating bills every month!

At Choice Home Remodeling, we’re a total home improvement company that specializes in replacing old windows with smart, stylish, and leak-free upgrades! With more than two decades of experience diagnosing and replacing leaking windows, we’ve seen everything and can give you our expert take. Learn more about how to keep cold air out from windows leaking cold air – and talk to our team today!

 

The Main Causes of Window Air Leaks

Windows in sunroom that may be leaking cold air

So, why are you feeling cold air coming through your windows? It’s often due to poor seals, gaps between the window frame, or damage to the window itself. While temporary solutions like weatherstripping may help, the most effective long-term fix is to upgrade to modern, energy-efficient windows designed to prevent drafts.

These are the four most common reasons for window air leaks:

Broken Seal – There’s no question that this is one of the most common culprits behind your windows leaking cold air. As some window frames sit in the sunlight, they expand and contract. Over time, this expansion and contraction causes the seal between the window frame and the glass to break. This breakage causes air to be able to infiltrate right through to the inside of your home.

Exterior Damage – In some cases, the outside window frame can become damaged. Whether it’s a small issue like the weatherstripping getting knocked loose or cracks in the frame, this kind of damage can let air in. If the problem is fairly minor (like weatherstripping), this is one of the causes of window air leaks that can be repaired, instead of fully replacing your windows.

Window air leaks for exterior of home

Compare wood vs. vinyl windows.

Gaps During Installation – While generally older windows are more likely to be drafty, these leaks can affect newer windows, too. For example, if the construction team that built the house rushed the job, they may have left small gaps between the window frame and the wall. While they may be difficult to see with the naked eye, you’ll be able to feel the drafty air.

Low-Quality Glass Window – Although this generally is not an issue with any recently installed windows, some very old windows may just be made with energy-inefficient glass that doesn’t provide insulation and lets the air right through. So, if this is the window you unfortunately have, there could be nothing else wrong with it, yet you’ll still experience the tell-tale draft of a window air leak.

See what the BEST windows for renovation have in common!

 

Best Way to Stop Drafty Windows: Replace Them

Window in kitchen that is leaking cold air

In the vast majority of cases, the best way to stop drafty windows is to replace them with an attractive and energy-efficient upgrade. While minor exterior damage – like missing weatherstrip – can be repaired fairly simply, all of the other causes of window air leaks require replacement. Not only is repairing sub-par windows not cost-effective, but you also miss out on all of the advantages that new windows deliver, including:

  • Reduced Energy Bills in Every Season
  • Attractive Interior & Exterior Styles
  • Boosted Property Value
  • Guaranteed Air Leak-Free Protection
  • Great Warranties (Including Lifetime Warranties)

Bottom line: the best way to stop drafty windows is to upgrade – and there are a whole ton of other advantages. If you want to find out just how affordable new windows can be, reach out to our team for a FREE quote!

Contact us right here to get started!

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We've had a great experience with Choice Home Remodeling replacing windows in our great room and kitchen area. Tim was fantastic to work with during the quote phase and explained our options clearly so we could make the best choices. We were able to divide the whole house project into two phases, and were so pleased with the initial work that we decided to proceed with the rest of the house as soon as phase 1 was complete. The installation crew was excellent! We are so happy we found Choice Home Remodeling!
Response from the owner:Beth, thank you so much for the kind words and for taking the time to share your experience! We're thrilled to hear that you’re happy with your new windows and that Tim and the installation crew made the process smooth and enjoyable. It was a pleasure working with you on phases one of the project, and are looking forward to completing phase two. Thanks again for trusting Choice Home Remodeling!
I had a great experience with Choice Home Remodeling! From my very first meeting with Tim, he was helpful and attentive to my needs and questions. The installers, Rob and Doug, provided more of the same professionalism and expertise. Thanks to you all!! I will definitely recommend Choice to friends and family!!
Response from the owner:Thank you Cindy for the kind review. We appreciate you taking the time to let us know about your experience and for your future recommendations.
Out.
Standing service from the beginning to the end.Windows are absolutely beautiful.Chad was very helpful and very knowledgeable with everything that he told me.I would recommend Choice remodeling
Response from the owner:Diane, thank you for the five stars and letting us know of your positive experience with not just the product, but our team as well.
Our new front door looks amazing. From the first phone call to Choice, to the seamless installation, everyone one involved made the project so easy and professional. We have a 20+ year relationship with Choice and it’s been a pleasure working with them.
Response from the owner:Cristy - Thank you so much for your kind words and for continuing to trust Choice for over 20 years! We’re thrilled to hear that you love your new front door. It’s always a pleasure working with you, and we truly value your loyalty and support. Looking forward to helping with your next project!