Does it feel ten degrees colder when you’re standing near a window than it does in the rest of your home? Old, inefficient windows let the cold seep in, making you uncomfortable and driving up your energy costs.
DIY fixes can help, but there are smarter, more effective solutions—and many of them are low-cost or no-cost thanks to Mass Save® rebates & incentives.
Why Is It So Cold By Your Windows?
It’s pretty common for it to feel colder when you’re standing near a window. This is for a couple of reasons:
Gaps Around Windows
Gaps around your windows—what we in the industry call air leaks—let cold air flow directly into your house. Gaps around windows can be caused by a few things. Seal failure is a common one, as are small cracks that form naturally as your home ages and settles. These problems will be more prevalent if your windows are old or if they were installed poorly.
Uninsulated Window Glass
If your windows are not insulated, you will feel the cold come straight through them. Old windows tend to be single-pane, which means there’s just one sheet of glass separating you from the outdoor temperatures—and glass is not a good insulator.
Tips for Insulating Old Windows
Insulating your windows can help you keep the cold out and make your house more comfortable. There are several DIY solutions you can try, including:
Caulk Around Your Windows
Applying caulk around your window frames can help seal small gaps and keep cold air out.
Replace Weatherstripping
Replacing old or damaged weatherstripping will reduce drafts and make your home more comfortable.
Hang Insulated Curtains
Insulated curtains can make a big difference by holding heat inside your home. The downside is that you have to keep them shut, which blocks the light.
Use a Draft Blocker
Draft blockers are like door sweeps for your window. You can place them along the window sill to block gaps and stop cold air from seeping in.
How to Fix Drafty Windows for Good
DIY fixes are great in a pinch, but they aren’t a long-term solution. If you want to make a significant and lasting change that makes your home warmer and saves you money on your energy costs, you have to go a step further.
The good news is that you don’t have to go it alone. The Partners of Mass Save offer rebates, incentives, and expert advice to tackle these problems more effectively and affordably.
Insulation & Air Sealing
Windows contribute to your home’s energy efficiency, but they’re only one piece of the puzzle. In many cases, poor insulation and air sealing in other parts of your home, like your attic or basement, are the real culprits.
Save on insulation & air sealing: Get 75-100% off of recommended insulation improvements, plus no-cost air sealing with Mass Save insulation rebates. Schedule a no-cost Home Energy Assessment to get started!
Energy Efficient Windows
Sometimes, you really do just need to replace your windows. If your windows are over 20 years old, or they’re single-pane, it’s probably time to think about a replacement. Installing energy efficient windows will make a huge difference, keeping your home warm and your energy costs in check.
Save on ENERGY STAR windows: Save $75 per window when you replace single-pane windows with ENERGY STAR Most Efficient certified windows. Schedule a no-cost Home Energy Assessment to get started!
Start with a No-Cost Home Energy Assessment
The first and most important step in making your home warmer is to identify the actual cause of those drafts and cold spots with a Home Energy Assessment. Neeeco offers no-cost Mass Save Home Energy Assessments to identify the best energy-saving improvements for your home. Your assessment includes a detailed evaluation of your home, a customized home energy report, and access to rebates for new windows, insulation upgrades, and more.
*Some restrictions apply and offers are subject to change or cancellation. Visit MassSave.com/HEA for full details.