A drafty house can be problematic year-round as cold air can be let in during the winter and hot air let in during the summer. Getting to the root of this problem can sometimes take some digging, but it’s possible to pinpoint the areas of your home that are most drafty and find solutions to fix this issue.
What causes a drafty house?
Typically, it might not always be just one area of your home that’s letting air escape, it could be multiple different places. Here are some of the most common causes of a drafty house:
Direct leaks like windows and doors
The most common place for you to notice a draft in your home is from your windows or doors. Since they are the barrier between inside your home and the outdoor air, it is possible that there can be cracks or gaps found here. This can be due to poor installation or bad sealing. While these direct leaks are more visible, like light coming in around the bottom of the door, they are usually playing a smaller role.
Indirect leaks like gaps in the construction of your home
While less easy to see with the naked eye, indirect leaks have a bigger impact on the comfort and efficiency of your home. Indirect leaks not only have a hole where the air you pay to heat is escaping, but they are also connected by a hidden pathway through wall cavities or floor joists to the exterior, and as the cold outside moves through those spaces it causes your rooms to feel colder.
How can I reduce the draft in my house?
There are a few steps you can take to help reduce the draft in your house to make it more bearable until a professional is able to eliminate the draft.
Seal your windows
If you find that your windows are the culprit of your drafty house problem, the first step you should take is to seal them. This is something that can be done on your own with a trip to the hardware store, but it may not be a permanent fix for your windows. Caulk and weatherstripping are both great solutions for sealing your windows until a professional can visit your home and properly seal them with professional-grade materials.
Hang curtains
Another way to prevent air from escaping your house is to hang thick curtains. The best curtains are those that are insulated and extra thick to prevent light from coming in and air from escaping.
Draft stoppers
If you find that the problem area of your home is doors, draft stoppers might be a good solution for you. These insulators are made to fit along the bottom of any door to prevent air from slipping under the crack and escaping. You can easily find these at your local hardware store, or you can even make some on your own.
Home energy audit
When it comes to a drafty house, there’s only so much you can do on your own before you need to call a professional to help solve the issue. A home energy audit is the best starting point for you as a homeowner. These audits are performed by industry professionals and will pinpoint the exact drafty areas of your home, whether they are direct or indirect leaks. From there, a team of professionals can come in and provide an effective solution to sealing these cracks that allow air to escape your home.
PS: If you have a drafty house, we know who to call. We have a list of trusted professionals we would be happy to refer to you!
