As the temperatures keep dropping and your favorite sweaters and blankets come out of hibernation, it’s time to start thinking about winterizing your home. That means tending to lawn equipment like the mower and hose and ensuring your heating system functions well. Double checking whether your windows are ready for winter should also be high on the list.
Not sure what red flags to look out for? Keep reading for expert advice, so you can address any window issues before the weather gets much colder.
Leaking Air
A leaky window means cold air can get in, and hot air can escape. “When you add up all the air leaks in a typical home, it’s equivalent to an entire window being left open wide all winter. Windows are one of the biggest culprits,” says Dan DiClerico, the home improvement & outdoor director at the Good Housekeeping Institute.
To check for leaks, he recommends moving a candle or incense stick around the window frames, ideally on a windy day. If smoke blows sideways, that means you have a decent air leak.
DiClerico says, “It should be plugged with a combination of caulk, expanding foam sealant, and weather-stripping.”
Fog or Condensation
If you notice a foggy film or tiny water droplets that you cannot wipe away, that likely means the seal on your double-pane window has failed and insulating gas is leaking out.
“The window may still work normally, but it doesn’t insulate anymore. Instead, when the glass gets cold, it creates condensation inside your home,” explains Peter Kravchuk, a contractor and the founder of New Day Construction.
He adds, “If the frame is in good shape, you may be able to replace the glass unit with a glazier. However, if the frame is worn out, it is often better to just replace the whole thing.”
Dirty Panes
Dirty windows may seem like more of an aesthetic issue, but DiClerico says that keeping them clean actually makes your home more energy efficient.
“It maximizes sunlight penetration, which increases solar heat gain throughout the winter,” DiClerico explains. “Clean windows also ensure that Low-E coatings function properly, reflecting indoor heat back into the home, while allowing sunlight to pass through from the outside.”
Faulty Latches
Along with failing caulk and condensation, take heed of windows that don’t open, close, or latch easily. Summer weather can cause wooden frames and home foundations to shift and swell.
“If you can't pull a window flush and lock it, the interlock seal between sashes is not sealed, which is most likely allowing cold air to enter your home,” explains Greg Matson, founder and president of HVAC Comfort Inc.
Start by removing dirt and grime from the window tracks, then lubricate hinges and tracks with silicone spray.
He adds, “You can also tighten any loose screws so the latch pulls the sashes tightly together,” Matson advises. “If the wood has become warped, install a foam window seal or strip along the window rail.”
Wendy Rose Gould is a lifestyle journalist who routinely contributes to Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Women’s Health, and House Beautiful, among others. She covers home and garden, wellness, and travel, focusing on thoughtful storytelling and detailed reporting. When not writing, you can catch her perusing thrift stores, singing, hitting the gym, and petting any cat or dog that'll allow it.
