What’s your go-to fix for drafty windows in winter?

Quick poll: do you folks mostly use weatherstripping, plastic film kits, caulk, or just shove a towel in the gap and hope for the best? I’ve tried a couple methods, but curious what actually work...

I’ve tried the towel thing in a pinch, but honestly, it’s a pain to keep putting it back. Weatherstripping works way better for me - less fuss, and it actually keeps the cold out. Plastic film kits just feel like a waste unless your windows are super leaky.

Plastic film kits just feel like a waste unless your windows are super leaky.

I get that - plastic film always seemed a bit overkill to me too, unless you’re in an old drafty place. I’ve had better luck with weatherstripping on both sashes and the frame. It’s quick, not expensive, and you don’t have to redo it every year. Curious if anyone’s tried caulking the exterior gaps? Wondering if that’s worth the extra effort compared to just sticking with interior fixes.

I tried caulking the outside gaps on my old windows last fall. Honestly, it helped a bit, but it’s a pain - especially if you’ve got a two-story house and hate ladders. Weatherstripping inside was way easier and made more difference for me. The caulk is probably better if you’ve got visible cracks or if water gets in, but for just drafts, I’d stick to the inside stuff unless you’re really motivated.