I actually tried messing around with attic insulation last winter because I was convinced the drafts around my windows were somehow related. I mean, logically, it made sense to me—heat rises, cold air sinks, so maybe uneven insulation up top was creating weird airflow patterns or something? Anyway, spent a weekend up there fluffing and rearranging insulation batts (not exactly my idea of fun, but hey, homeowner life...).
Honestly, it did help a bit overall with keeping the upstairs warmer and more evenly heated, but those pesky cold spots near windows and doors didn't totally disappear. Turns out my main issue was actually gaps around window frames and door seals. Who knew a tiny gap could let in so much chilly air? I ended up doing the whole candle test thing—holding a lit candle near window edges on a breezy day—and sure enough, the flame flickered like crazy at certain spots. A little caulking and some weather stripping tape later, things improved dramatically.
But here's the kicker: after sealing those gaps, I noticed the attic insulation tweaks seemed even more effective. It felt like everything was working together better once I'd tackled both issues. So yeah, attic insulation might not completely solve your drafty window woes by itself, but it does seem to play a role in making your home feel cozier overall.
Funny side note: my neighbor swears by those plastic shrink-wrap window kits every winter. I teased him about living inside a giant sandwich baggie, but he insists they're lifesavers. Maybe I'll give that a shot next year...
"Funny side note: my neighbor swears by those plastic shrink-wrap window kits every winter. I teased him about living inside a giant sandwich baggie, but he insists they're lifesavers."
Haha, the sandwich baggie analogy is spot-on. I was skeptical too, but honestly, those shrink-wrap kits surprised me. Last winter, out of desperation (and curiosity), I tried one on our draftiest window. It looked goofy at first, but the difference was noticeable almost immediately—no more icy breeze sneaking in. Still prefer proper sealing and insulation, but hey, whatever keeps the heating bills down...
I've thought about those shrink-wrap kits, but honestly, they seem like a temporary fix rather than a real solution. Last year I invested in some thermal curtains, and they've been surprisingly effective—not only do they block drafts, but they also help keep the room warmer overnight. Plus, you don't get that awkward plastic sheen on your windows all winter long. Just another option to consider if you want something a bit more permanent and visually appealing...
Thermal curtains are definitely a solid choice, but have you tried weatherstripping yet? I've had good results with it—especially around older windows and doors. It's pretty cheap, easy to install, and doesn't mess with your decor. Another thing I found helpful was checking the attic insulation. Last winter, I realized mine was way thinner than recommended, so I topped it up myself (a bit messy, but doable). Made a noticeable difference in comfort and heating bills.
Also curious if anyone's experimented with those draft stoppers for doors? I made one from an old pair of jeans filled with rice—it actually worked better than expected, though my dog thought it was a new chew toy...
Weatherstripping definitely helps, especially with older houses—been there myself. Have you checked your outlets and switches on exterior walls? I was surprised how drafty those spots can get. Picked up some foam outlet gaskets at the hardware store, installed them in about half an hour, and noticed fewer cold spots afterward. Your DIY door stopper sounds creative, but yeah, pets can complicate things... maybe heavier fabric next time?
Weatherstripping and outlet gaskets are great, but honestly, I've found curtains to be the real MVP. Got some thick blackout curtains on clearance last year—game changer. They trap heat surprisingly well, especially at night. Plus, no worries about pets messing with them (unless you've got a cat determined to climb everything...). DIY door stoppers are cool and all, but sometimes simpler is better. Just my two cents!
Totally agree about the curtains. I picked up some heavy thermal ones a couple winters ago, and honestly, I was skeptical at first. But after a few chilly nights, I noticed a real difference—especially in rooms with older windows. It's funny how something as simple as curtains can make such a noticeable impact. And yeah, pets can be tricky... my dog ignores them completely, but my sister's cat thinks they're his personal climbing gym. DIY door stoppers are neat, but sometimes they end up being more hassle than they're worth, at least in my experience. Anyway, good call on the blackout curtains—sounds like you scored a great deal too.
Thermal curtains definitely help, especially with older windows like you mentioned. But honestly, if your windows are really drafty or single-pane, curtains alone might not cut it. I've seen folks try all sorts of DIY fixes—plastic film kits, weather stripping, even bubble wrap (yeah, seriously)—but at some point, upgrading the windows themselves is worth considering. Not cheap upfront, but the difference in comfort and heating bills can be huge. And bonus: no more cat gymnastics on your curtains...probably.
Upgrading windows definitely makes sense long-term, but the upfront cost can be pretty steep. I've found that combining thermal curtains with strategic weather stripping and sealing around frames can get you surprisingly close to the comfort level of new windows—at least temporarily.
I've been thinking about thermal curtains too, but do they really make that noticeable of a difference? I've got older windows and every winter I debate biting the bullet and upgrading—but yeah, the sticker shock always holds me back. Weather stripping definitely helped around my front door, but I'm skeptical about curtains alone being enough to make a room feel noticeably warmer. Have you noticed a big drop in your heating bill since adding them, or is it more just comfort-wise?
Also, how thick or heavy do these curtains need to be to actually help? I mean, I don't want the living room looking like Dracula's lair just to save a few bucks, lol. Curious if anyone's tried those clear window film kits too...are they worth the hassle or just a pain to install?