Why Is My House So Drafty?

If you find yourself struggling to stay warm in the winter, even with your heating system working well, it may be because of drafts. Drafts in your home are a costly problem because they make your heating and cooling system work harder just to keep your home comfortable. If you’re struggling with a drafty home, finding and stopping those drafts can help you reduce your discomfort and your energy bills. Here’s a closer look at how you can find drafts, and what you can do when you do.

Find out if the Doors or Windows Are Causing Drafts

If you live in a drafty house, the first step to remedy the problem is to determine the source of the leaks and drafts. Doors and windows are most likely culprits, but which ones? Here are some tips to help you find out:

• Take a look – First, take a look around. Do you see any visible gaps around windows or doors that could be the source of the leak? Does the home have single-paned windows that are letting in some air?
• Feel for drafts – Next, feel for drafts around the windows and doors. If you can feel a breeze or air movement when you near the door or window, or if the temperature is significantly lower near them, then it’s a clear sign you have a problem.
• Perform a smoke test – Close the windows and doors in your home, and turn off combustion appliances. Then, turn on the exhaust vents in the kitchen and bathroom. Light an incense stick close to the windows and doors, and watch for changes in the smoke rising from the stick. If it is not rising straight up, you may have an air leak.

Eliminating Drafts Effectively

If you’ve performed these tests and found that you have a draft problem, then it’s time to take action. You will need to act to stop the effect of the drafts on your home. You have three basic options to consider to deal with your costly air leak. These are:

• Repairing the doors or windows – If you have a visible gap that you can repair, then consider this as your most affordable option.
• Installing a new door – If the door itself is the source of the problem, consider installing a new one to address it. Professional door installation will eliminate many causes of drafts and provide better insulation for your home.
• Window replacement – Replace the windows with new, more efficient windows that do not have gaps around the frame.

For help with window and door replacement in the greater Columbus area, reach out to the team at APCO. You can call 614-254-5489 or contact our window and door solutions experts online for a free consultation to discuss your needs.