How Stop Air Leakage From Home Windows

Over 10 percent of your home heat is lost through windows during the winter months. Not only does this create drafts within your home, but also it increases your energy bill when attempting to heat the home. To prevent losing heat and increasing your energy bill, use winterizing techniques to seal off windows and reduce drafts. Most home repair stores carry all of the materials needed to winter-proof your home.

Weather stripping
Caulk gun
Double-sided tape
1 roll shrink plastic
Hair dryer
Scissors
1 roll outdoor utility plastic
Duct tape
Utility knife
Shutters
Replacement windows and parts

Instructions

- 1
  Cover interior windows with shrink film or plastic to prevent leakage and drafts. Shrink plastic is taped into place and then shrunk using a hairdryer to seal the plastic tight.
- 2
  Apply weather stripping around windows of the house to reduce air lost through small cracks.
- 3
  Apply caulk around window frames that have cracks or any type of airflow.
- 4
  Use plastic weather covering over the outside of the windows and secure the plastic in place using a staple gun. Covering windows seals off leaks and keeps rooms warmer.
- 5
  Install working shutters that can help close off areas of the house not in use during the winter to reduce heat lost through single pane windows. Shutters can reduce up to 50 percent of heat energy lost through windows.
- 6
  Check windows to ensure they fit flush and close properly to reduce leakage. In addition, replace broken latches and cracked windows to prevent unnecessary energy loss.
- 7
  Install double-pane windows that guarantee to reduce energy bills. Most window replacement stores offer free estimates for window installations.

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