I did a search on your website and didn’t see anything on this. I’m looking for frugal feedback on weather stripping my windows. My house is only ~20 years old but I’m in New Hampshire and it’s cold! I can feel drafts from them and we have huge propane bills.
There are so many options when googling and I’m having trouble figuring out the most effective solutions, especially as I want maximum natural light during the day for my houseplants. I also have a lot of big windows to cover, and the product cost can vary a lot. I thought maybe your readers would have feedback for me?
Ummm…apologies to the dear reader who sent this question in. I cannot for the life of me find the name that goes with this question! Hopefully they are a person who reads here regularly so they can catch the advice you all will give.
I have never lived in a house with windows even 20 years old, so I have a serious lack of experience with weather-stripping windows.
My first thought was that whether (ha!) you do weather-stripping or not, it might be smart to get some thermal curtains. Obviously, you wouldn’t want to close them during the day, but at least at night you could have a serious amount of insulation over the windows.
And since it’s coldest at night, the curtains might make a big difference.
my living room curtains are quite obviously not insulated
That’s the extent of my advice on this topic, so I will quit typing here and will open it up to readers. I am positive there are plenty of people in the community here who have dealt with drafty windows!
Bethany
Wednesday 23rd of February 2022
Replacing the original windows in my 1964 house is my favorite upgrade. New windows are worth it. If by weather stripping you mean the plastic covers....it can help but isn't that great. If you mean foam or sealer on the edges of the windows....I didn't know windows come without that (but I live in a cold climate).
JJ
Wednesday 23rd of February 2022
Another fan of the window shrink/cling film here! That, plus some heavier curtains for the colder months helps keep our 100+ year old house warm during the winter. The window film isn't very expensive, but it's worth checking the clearance sections at Lowe's/Home Depot in the spring to potentially save a little more.
Jenny Young
Wednesday 23rd of February 2022
Thermal curtains are great advice. I advice two different kinds of protection that will still allow the light in. 1-Clear or opaque thick plastic stabled on the outside of each window. It means you can't really open the windows until spring...of course you can rip it out in an emergency. 2 - plastic shrink film window kit attached on the inside of each window. I've used this & it works very well. https://www.walmart.com/ip/Duck-Shrink-Film-Window-Insulation-Kit-Indoor-10-Pack-62-in-x-420-in/17133826 I've covered standard sized windows & even kept it over a sliding glass door year round for a few yrs until we could afford to replace the door. It made such a difference in cooling costs in summer as well.
I like the shrink film first because it does make a difference. Second, it's not as noticeable. If you put it on smoothly & shrink it tight, then hang your curtains you don't really notice it. Of course, you cannot open the windows until you take it down but it's worth it to feel comfortable in extreme weather months.
Rachel
Wednesday 23rd of February 2022
With really thick curtains or whatnot, keep an eye on the edges of your windows. When condensation gets trapped against your windows all night, it's very easy for mold to start. So just keep an eye on it!
Heidi Louise
Wednesday 23rd of February 2022
Also, the foam sheets that go under electrical outlets make a noticeable difference, and are quick and cheap to install.
Stephanie in Brooklyn
Wednesday 23rd of February 2022
@Heidi Louise, I second this! Very inexpensive and effective.