Why You Can Feel a Draft in Your House During Winter and How to Fix It

Winter is here, and with it comes the uncomfortable chill of cold drafts sneaking into your home. If you’re layering up indoors or noticing your energy bills creeping higher, you might be wondering, "Why do I feel a draft in my house?" Let’s explore the common causes of drafts and how to address them to create a cozy, energy-efficient home.

What Causes Drafts in Your Home?

Drafts occur when cold outdoor air seeps into your home through gaps, cracks, or poorly insulated areas. Here are the most common culprits:

1. Poorly Sealed Windows and Doors
   Over time, the weatherstripping around windows and doors can wear out, allowing cold air to seep through. Even small gaps can create noticeable drafts.

2. Gaps Around Electrical Outlets
   The spaces around electrical outlets, especially on exterior walls, can let in cold air if not properly insulated.

3. Cracks in the Foundation or Walls
   Tiny cracks or holes in your home’s foundation or exterior walls are often unnoticed but can allow drafts to enter.

4. Insufficient Insulation
   Older homes, or those with outdated or insufficient insulation, may struggle to keep warm air in and cold air out. This is especially true in areas like attics, basements, and crawl spaces.

5. Leaky Ductwork
   If your home has a central heating system, gaps or holes in your ductwork can cause warm air to escape, leaving certain areas feeling colder than others.

6. Chimney or Fireplace Issues
   Fireplaces, while charming, can be a significant source of drafts if the damper isn’t properly closed or if the chimney lacks proper insulation.

How Drafts Impact Your Home

Drafts do more than just make your home feel cold and uncomfortable:

• Higher Energy Bills: Your heating system works overtime to compensate for the heat lost through gaps and cracks.
• Uneven Temperatures: Some rooms may feel cozy while others remain chilly.
• Decreased Comfort: Drafts make it harder to maintain a consistently warm and comfortable indoor environment.

How to Identify Drafts

Detecting drafts in your home is the first step to fixing the problem. Here are some methods to pinpoint them:

• Feel for Cold Air: Move your hand around the edges of windows, doors, and outlets to sense where cold air is coming in.
• Use a Candle or Incense Stick: Light a candle or incense stick and move it around areas where drafts are suspected. If the flame flickers or smoke moves, you’ve found a draft.
• Conduct a Visual Inspection: Look for visible gaps, cracks, or worn-out weatherstripping.
• Perform an Energy Audit: A professional energy audit can identify areas where your home is losing heat and suggest solutions.

Fixing Drafts in Your Home

Once you’ve identified the sources of drafts, here’s how to address them:

1. Seal Windows and Doors

   • Replace worn-out weatherstripping.
   • Use caulk to seal gaps around window frames.
   • Install draft stoppers or door sweeps at the bottom of doors.

2. Insulate Outlets and Switches

   • Add foam gaskets behind outlet covers on exterior walls.
   • Use childproof outlet plugs to reduce air infiltration.

3. Patch Cracks and Holes

   • Fill cracks in your foundation or walls with sealant or expandable foam.

4. Upgrade Insulation

   • Add or replace insulation in your attic, basement, and walls.
   • Consider spray foam insulation for hard-to-reach areas.

5. Repair Ductwork

   • Seal leaks in ducts with metal tape or mastic sealant.
   • Insulate ducts in unconditioned spaces like attics or crawl spaces.

6. Address Chimney Drafts

   • Close the damper when the fireplace isn’t in use.
   • Install a chimney balloon or flue seal to block drafts.

Preventing Drafts in the Future

Preventative measures can keep your home draft-free and comfortable:

• Regular Maintenance: Check and replace weatherstripping annually.
• Install Energy-Efficient Windows and Doors: Modern, energy-efficient windows and doors are designed to minimize drafts.
• Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat: A smart thermostat can help maintain consistent temperatures, even in draft-prone homes.

Stay Warm This Winter

Don’t let drafts ruin your winter comfort. Addressing the underlying causes can make your home more energy-efficient, lower your heating bills, and keep you warm all season long.

At Bella Construction, we specialize in helping homeowners improve their home’s energy efficiency with properly installed windows, doors, siding, and roofing systems. Contact us today for a free estimate and let us help you seal out the cold for good!