How to Stop Window Drafts

Lock all the windows to create as tight a seal as possible. Hold a lit candle in front of the window to detect air leaks. Feel with your hand to see whether air is coming through the locked window. Check the keyhole for air seepage if the windows are set within a French door.

Clean the window edges thoroughly. Soften the caulk by dipping it into water before applying.

Apply rope caulking around the perimeter of the window and all window panes. Check for old caulking cracks and repair if necessary.

Remove single-glazed windows and replace them with double glazed. Install secondary glazing to single-glazed windows if double glazing is not possible or if you are unable to alter the appearance of your property. Use a professional for this installation.

Spray a building foam between the window sash and the window frame to create a seal. Check for air leaks after the foam settles. Break the seal to open the window if necessary and then reapply.

Put plastic weather stripping between the window sash and the window frame to prevent air from sneaking in. Use a thick stripping for the most effective seal and use a lit candle to check that the drafty openings are covered.

Sew draperies out of a heavy fabric and completely cover the window. Install a separate drapery liner for a second layer of protection. Hang the drapery rod beyond the edges of the window for complete coverage and be sure the curtains reach below the bottom of the window.

Cover the window panes with a plastic-wrap film. Use a hair dryer to shrink the plastic wrap and create a seal.

Put tape around window panes where they meet the frame if you feel drafts coming in through these joints. Remove the tape if you wish to open the window.

Place a draft stopper usually used for the bottoms of doors onto the window sill. This creates another barrier against cold air.