How to Find Drafty Windows & Doors

Window & Door Heat Loss

Did your heating or cooling bill jump dramatically? Air may be escaping through small openings in your windows and doors. Typical homes lose about 11 percent of their air through doors and 10 percent through windows. Following these steps will help you find those drafty windows and doors, and might cut your utility costs.

Things You'll Need

• Candle, match or lighter
• Pair of socks

Instructions

1. Use visual clues. Look for ripped, torn or worn-out weather seals around windows and doors. Check for sunlight peeking through the tops, bottoms, and sides of windows and doors. Turn off ceiling fans, heaters, and coolers and look for moving curtains. Light a candle, match, or lighter and place around the edges of doors and windows. Drafts will blow out the flame and cause the smoke to move away from or toward the leak. Any or all of these visual clues indicate air loss.

2. Use auditory clues. On a windy day, make your house as quiet as possible by turning off TVs, radios, and loud appliances. Get close to all doors and windows and listen for a whistling sound. Escaping air makes a distinct sound.

3. Use tactile clues. Wet a pair of socks. Place one wet sock on a hand and the other on a foot. Use your hand to feel around the tops and sides of doors and windows. Use your foot to feel for any drafts coming from the bottom of doors and large windows. Drafts will be readily identifiable on cold, wet skin.

Tips & Warnings

• If a draft is found, it's time to research energy efficient windows and weather stripping options.

References

• Consumer Energy Center
• Sealing Air Leaks