Sealing Drafty Windows & Doors: A Simple DIY Winter Fix That Actually Works

If your house feels cold no matter how high you crank the heat, there’s a good chance you’re dealing with drafts — and in Maine, that adds up fast. Drafty windows and doors don’t just make a home uncomfortable, they quietly drain energy (and money) all winter long.

The good news? You don’t need to replace windows or take on a big renovation to make a noticeable difference. This is one of those small DIY projects that’s affordable, beginner-friendly, and genuinely effective.

How to Find Drafty Areas in Your Home

Before you fix anything, you need to know where the cold air is coming in.

Here are a few easy ways to find drafts:

Use your hand: On a cold or windy day, slowly run your hand around window frames, door frames, and baseboards. You’ll feel it.
Candle or incense test: Hold a lit candle or incense stick near edges and seams. If the flame or smoke flickers, there’s air movement.
Pay attention to patterns: Rooms that are always colder, floors near doors, or windows that “feel icy” are usually the culprits.

Focus first on:

Older windows
Doors you don’t use often
North-facing walls
Rooms over garages or crawl spaces

My Go-To Fix: Frost King Window Insulation Kits

For windows, I use Frost King Indoor Window Insulation Kits, and I’m a big fan of how simple and effective they are.

This is the exact product I use:
🔗 https://www.homedepot.com/p/Frost-King-Indoor-Window-Insulation-Kit-3-per-Pack-V73-3H/100135637

Why I like them:

Affordable (especially compared to new windows)
Easy to install — no special tools needed
Makes a noticeable difference in warmth
Helps cut down on drafts and condensation

How to Install Window Insulation (DIY-Friendly)

You don’t need to be handy for this — just take your time.

What you’ll need:

Frost King insulation kit
Scissors
Hair dryer
A clean window frame

Steps:

Clean the window frame so the tape sticks well.
Apply the double-sided tape around the frame.
Cut the plastic slightly larger than the window.
Press the plastic onto the tape.
Use a hair dryer to gently shrink and tighten the plastic.

Once it’s installed, it becomes nearly invisible — and you’ll feel the difference right away.

Don’t Forget the Doors

Windows get most of the attention, but doors are often just as drafty.

Quick fixes that help:

Replace worn weatherstripping
Add a door sweep to block cold air at the bottom
Use a draft stopper or an old blanket on rarely used doors

These are small upgrades, but together they can significantly improve comfort.

Why This Matters (Especially in Winter)

Sealing drafts:

Keeps your home warmer and more comfortable
Reduces strain on your heating system
Helps lower energy bills
Makes rooms feel more livable, not just “heated”

It’s one of those maintenance tasks that doesn’t look exciting — but you feel it every single day afterward.

Final Thoughts

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by winter home maintenance, start here. Sealing drafty windows and doors is one of the highest impact, lowest effort projects you can do this season.

And if you’re thinking about buying or selling a home in Maine, energy efficiency and comfort matter more than people realize — especially once the temperatures drop.

If you want help figuring out what upgrades make sense for your home, I’m always happy to talk it through.