How to Draft-Proof Your Windows and Doors for Free (or Cheap)

As the colder months approach, keeping your home warm and cozy becomes a priority. One of the most effective ways to do this is by draft-proofing your windows and doors. Not only does this help keep heat, but it also reduces energy bills and makes your living space more comfortable. The good news? You don’t have to spend a fortune to draft-proof your home. Here’s how you can do it for free or at a very low cost.

1. Find Drafty Areas
   Before you start, spend some time checking where the drafts are coming from. On a windy day, walk around your home and feel for cold air near windows and doors. You can also use a lit candle or incense stick. Watch how the smoke moves. If it flickers or moves sideways near a window or door, that’s a sign of a draft.
2. Use Towels or Blankets
   Block drafts under doors for free by using rolled-up towels or blankets. Place them snugly against the base of the door to block cold air from seeping in. This is especially effective for doors leading to the outside or to unheated areas like garages.
3. Apply Weatherstripping Tape
   Weatherstripping tape is inexpensive and easy to install. You can find foam or rubber weather strips at most hardware stores. Measure the gaps around your windows and doors, cut the tape to size, and stick it along the edges. This creates a seal that blocks cold air from entering.
4. Use Bubble Wrap on Windows
   Bubble wrap is a cheap and effective insulator. Spray a little water on your window panes and press bubble wrap (bubble side against the glass) onto the surface. It’s transparent enough to let light in but adds an insulating layer that reduces heat loss.
5. Seal Gaps with Caulk
   If you notice small cracks or gaps around window frames, use caulk to seal them. Apply caulk if gaps are around door frames too. Acrylic or silicone caulk is affordable and available at hardware stores. Simply apply the caulk along the gaps and smooth it with your finger for a neat finish. This prevents cold air from sneaking in.
6. Use Draft Excluders
   Draft excluders are long fabric tubes filled with insulating materials. You can fill an old sock with rice, sand, or dried beans. Place it at the base of doors. This blocks drafts effectively and can be customized to fit your décor.
7. Close Curtains and Use Heavy Drapes
   While it is not a direct draft-proofing method, close your curtains at night. Use heavy drapes as well. This can reduce heat loss through windows. Thick fabrics add an extra layer of insulation and help keep your room warmer.
8. Rearrange Furniture
   Sometimes, simply moving furniture away from windows and doors can help reduce the feeling of drafts. Placing bookshelves or sofas near drafty windows creates a barrier between you and the cold air.

Draft-proofing your windows and doors doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. By using everyday household items and a bit of DIY effort, you can significantly improve your home’s insulation and comfort. Start with these simple tips and enjoy a warmer, more energy-efficient home all winter long.