Why Your Home Feels Drafty and How to Keep It Warm This Winter

Why Your Home Feels Drafty—and How to Fix It

With colder weather setting in, more time indoors should mean staying cozy. But if your home isn’t prepared for winter, cold air might be sneaking in despite your heating efforts. Here’s a look at why drafts happen and expert advice on how to fix them to keep your home warm this season.

Sources of Drafts in Your Home

• Doors and Windows: Poor sealing around doors and windows is one of the most common causes of drafts, especially in older homes where gaps may have formed. Ensuring a tight seal around these areas is essential to keeping cold air out.

• Outlets, Fixtures, and Pipes: Less obvious sources of drafts can be the gaps around outlets, ceiling fixtures, and even under-sink pipes. These small openings can allow chilly air inside, creating unwanted cold spots throughout the home.

• Fireplaces: If left open or unsealed, fireplaces can let cold air rush inside. Closing the damper when the fireplace isn’t in use is a quick fix to help retain warmth.

• Floors: In homes with uninsulated floors or those above crawl spaces, cold air can seep up, creating drafts at ground level. Adding insulation under floors can help combat this issue.

• Attic: Without proper insulation, the attic can act as a pathway for cold air. Enhancing attic insulation is one of the most effective ways to keep a home warm.

• Heating System: An inefficient or old heating system can contribute to uneven temperatures and colder areas in the home. Regular maintenance and updates can help ensure consistent warmth throughout your space.

How to Address Drafts

1. Weatherproofing: Start with a full inspection of your windows and doors. Replacing worn-out weatherstripping or adding foam insulation tape can close any gaps and prevent air from leaking in. Door sweeps can be a helpful addition as well.

2. Fireplace Maintenance: Close the damper when not in use, and seal any cracks to prevent drafts from coming in. A thorough inspection by a professional can ensure it’s in optimal shape for winter.

3. Consider Replacement: If windows or doors are outdated, replacing them may improve your home’s energy efficiency, keeping heat in and cold air out.

4. Inspect and Upgrade Heating Systems: Check ductwork for tears or disconnections and consider sealing any leaks. Regular furnace maintenance and eventual replacement, if it’s over 15 years old, can keep your home warm without extra energy costs.

5. Boost Attic Insulation: Adding insulation in the attic can help regulate your home’s temperature, as it prevents cold air from affecting the warmth inside.

6. Invest in Modern Heating Options: New heating technologies, like radiant floor heating or air-source heat pumps, can improve comfort in specific areas or floors, delivering efficient warmth throughout.

7. Try an Energy Audit: An energy audit can identify draft sources and provide insights on areas needing insulation or sealing. The test results can guide you in making the most impactful efficiency upgrades.

With these fixes, you can prevent drafts and ensure your home stays comfortable and energy-efficient all season long.