What Can Be Done to Reduce the Draft at Window Sills?

Weather Stripping

• Your windows should have a layer of caulk around the exterior of the window frames, creating a seal that keeps the outside air outside. If your windows have caulk on the window frames, you need to peel off the old caulk before replacing it with a new layer that will seal the window sill again. Depending on the state of the old caulk, you may need to apply a caulk softener before you remove it; caulk softener can typically be found at hardware and home improvement stores.

Sill Snakes

• Sill snakes are long objects that can be made of plastic or fabric. You stuff the inside of the snake with sand, newspaper or even plastic grocery sacks. Some stores sell sill snakes if you do not want to make your own. The sill snake sits on the window sill, where it meets the window, and prevents any drafts from entering the house.

Insulation Film

• Home improvement stores sell window insulation film, which is a clear plastic. Once you tape the plastic snugly onto the window using double-sided tape, you then heat the film with a hair dryer so it adheres to the window, creating an airtight seal against any exterior air trying to come in through the sill area or any other part of the window.

Indoor Shutters

• Making your own indoor shutters for use on your windows during the night helps keep drafts out when the temperatures are the lowest. Make the shutters out of pieces of cardboard that are wrapped with aluminum foil. Place weather stripping around the edges.

Indoor Storm Windows

• You may also make indoor storm windows to keep out drafts around the window sill. They function similarly to indoor shutters, only they are transparent, so you can keep them up day and night. Make a frame out of wood and then put urethane in between the pieces of wood. Use the same plastic film you apply to the windows to seal the storm windows against drafts.

New Windows

• Although not the cheapest option, new energy-efficient windows provide a firm layer of protection against exterior air coming into your house. With the money you save on your heating and cooling bills, new windows may pay for themselves over time.