Seal a Drafty Window
Windows are responsible for ~25–30% of residential heating/cooling energy use, per the DOE. Sealing drafts recovers a meaningful share — and a $15 weatherstripping kit pays for itself within a season.
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Tools
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Materials
- +V-strip lasts longest; foam is easier
- +For single-pane windows; nearly invisible once shrunk with a hairdryer
- +For gaps in the trim or frame
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Steps
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1
Find the leaks
On a windy day, hold a lit incense stick or a thin tissue around the frame. Smoke wavering or tissue movement marks a leak. Keep the lit stick well clear of curtains and never leave it unattended.
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2
Clean the surface
Wipe the channels and frame with soapy water. Weatherstripping won't stick to dust.
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3
Apply weatherstripping
Cut V-strip or foam to length, peel the backing, press into the channel where the sash slides. Keep it continuous.
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4
Optional: shrink film
Stick double-sided tape around the inside trim, press film onto tape, then run a hairdryer over the film until it pulls taut.
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