Which way do your windows face for max winter sun?

- Totally get what you mean about old windows... mine rattle every time the wind picks up, so I feel you there.
- Tried bubble wrap last winter after seeing it online—looked a bit like my house was prepping for a move, but honestly, it made a difference and was kinda fun to put up.
- I’ve wondered about those stick-on films too. My friend swears by them for drafts, but she said they can peel at the corners if your frames aren’t super clean or if it gets damp. Still, she says her living room feels less chilly, so maybe worth a shot?
- North-facing rooms always seem to be in their own little temperature bubble. Mine’s the same—never freezing, but never cozy either. Socks are a must.
- It’s weird how much little hacks can help. Even just putting up thicker curtains made my bedroom less drafty.

You’re definitely not alone trying random fixes. Sometimes it’s about whatever works (even if it looks goofy).

Not gonna lie, I get the appeal of bubble wrap and stick-on films—quick fixes, they do the trick in a pinch. But I’ll be the odd one out and say, sometimes those hacks end up being more hassle than help, especially long-term. Seen a lot of folks get frustrated when the film peels or the bubble wrap turns into a dust magnet…and let’s not even talk about what it looks like from the street. My neighbor’s house looked like it was wrapped for shipping last winter.

If you’re in an older place with rattly windows (been there, fixed that), sometimes just tightening up the hardware or replacing the weatherstripping does more than any temporary fix. It’s not glamorous—definitely not as fun as bubble wrap—but it’s less likely to peel off or leave sticky residue when spring rolls around.

North-facing rooms are always tricky, though. You’re right about that cold pocket feeling. I’ve found swapping out thin curtains for lined or thermal ones actually makes a bigger difference than most people expect—plus, you don’t have to peel anything off when you want some fresh air. Just my two cents... sometimes the boring fix is the better one.

If you’re in an older place with rattly windows (been there, fixed that), sometimes just tightening up the hardware or replacing the weatherstripping does more than any temporary fix.

I’m with you on the hardware and weatherstripping—did the same last fall on my 1960s ranch. Made a bigger difference than I expected, especially for those north-facing rooms that never seem to warm up. I tried bubble wrap once; honestly, it just collected dust and looked rough from outside. For anyone dealing with persistent drafts, swapping to low-e storm windows (if you can swing it) is a solid upgrade. Thermal curtains help, but proper sealing around the frame is what finally stopped the whistling in my place.

I get what you’re saying about sealing being the real fix, but I’ve seen folks overlook sash alignment on older windows. Sometimes it’s not just the weatherstripping or hardware—if the sash is warped even a bit, no amount of sealing really solves the draft. Have you checked for that? It’s a pain, but shimming or planing can actually make a bigger difference than curtains or bubble wrap ever will. Just something to consider if you’re still chasing cold spots.

You’re dead on about sash alignment being a sneaky culprit. I’ve worked on plenty of old houses where folks kept piling on new weatherstripping and caulk, but the draft just wouldn’t quit. Nine times out of ten, it’s a twisted or sagging sash that’s letting the cold in, not the lack of sealant. Planing and shimming are definitely more work—no sugarcoating that—but if you want to actually fix the problem instead of just masking it, it’s worth rolling up your sleeves.

Funny thing is, I’ve seen people hang heavy curtains thinking they’ll solve everything, but if there’s a quarter-inch gap at the sash, you’re basically heating the outdoors. I get why folks go for the “easy” fixes first, but sometimes you have to get hands-on. Anyway, good call pointing this out. It’s easy to overlook, especially in older homes where nothing is quite square anymore.

I totally get what you mean about the “quick fixes” not really cutting it. When we moved into our place last fall, I thought a tube of caulk and some foam tape would be enough to stop the drafts. Nope. The living room window still felt like it was open half the time, even with thick curtains. Turns out, the bottom sash was way out of whack—could literally see daylight at one corner if I crouched down.

Here’s what actually made a difference for me:
1. Took off the stops (carefully, since everything in this house wants to splinter).
2. Checked if the sash was sitting square—nope, it was sagging on one side.
3. Used some thin shims to even it out, then planed a bit off where it was rubbing.
4. Put everything back together and only then added new weatherstripping.

It took most of a Saturday and I got covered in dust, but now there’s barely any draft at all. Heavy curtains help a bit, but if you’ve got a gap, you’re just decorating the breeze...

Not sure I’d call it “fun,” but it definitely beat paying for more heat.

I get the appeal of fixing the window properly, but honestly, I just layered up with the thickest curtains I could find and called it good enough. Maybe it’s not the “right” way, but I’m not about to start taking apart 80-year-old windows in January. I figure if the sun actually hits those south-facing windows for a few hours, I’ll take the free heat—even if a little sneaks back out. My wallet can only handle so many “weekend projects” at a time...

Honestly, I get where you’re coming from. Sometimes “good enough” is just... good enough, especially in the middle of winter. I’ve got a couple old windows myself and I’m not about to rip them out when it’s freezing, either.

You mentioned,

“I just layered up with the thickest curtains I could find and called it good enough.”

South-facing windows are gold in winter. Even if a little heat escapes, you’re still getting more than you’d have with north-facing ones. Honestly, there’s always something else that needs fixing—sometimes you just have to pick your battles.

I’ve tried the heavy curtain trick too, and honestly, it’s better than nothing but not a miracle worker. I still get a draft near the old frames, especially when the wind picks up. South-facing windows really do make a difference though—on sunny days, my living room actually gets toasty even if it’s freezing outside. North side feels like a different climate entirely. Sometimes I wonder if window film would help more than just piling on fabric...

South-facing windows really do make a difference though—on sunny days, my living room actually gets toasty even if it’s freezing outside.

I get what you mean about the heavy curtains—they help a bit, but if your frames are old, the drafts sneak right in. My south windows basically heat the whole downstairs if it’s sunny, but that north side? Feels like I should be storing meat in there. Tried window film once, wasn’t a game changer for me. Maybe helps a little with the chill, but definitely didn’t solve the draft issue. Sometimes I think these old houses just want to remind us who’s boss...