I've done both film and caulking, and honestly, the film does help quite a bit with drafts—especially if you're dealing with older windows. It's not perfect, but it definitely cuts down on that chilly breeze. Caulking is great too, but it's more of a long-term fix. If you're short on time or just want something quick for winter, I'd say give the film another shot using your hairdryer trick...sounds like you've got the technique down already.
Totally agree on the film—it's a lifesaver for older windows. One thing I'd add: check your window locks too. Sounds weird, but sometimes just locking them tightens the seal enough to cut drafts noticeably. Had an old place where that made a surprising difference. Film plus locked windows...cheap and quick fix combo that gets you through winter without freezing your toes off.
Good call on the locks, never really thought about that. Another thing I've found helpful is checking the weatherstripping—sometimes it looks fine but it's actually flattened or cracked, letting in sneaky drafts. Had a window in my kitchen I swore was sealed tight until I replaced the weatherstripping...big difference. Has anyone tried those draft stopper snakes at the base of windows, or are they mostly just good for doors?
Weatherstripping is definitely underrated—good catch on that. I've seen those draft snakes used on windows, but honestly, they're hit or miss. They work okay if your window sill is wide enough to hold them snugly, but if there's any gap or slope, they tend to slide off or leave gaps. Personally, I'd stick with weatherstripping or even temporary plastic film kits for windows. They're not the prettiest, but they do the job surprisingly well until you can get a more permanent fix.
"Personally, I'd stick with weatherstripping or even temporary plastic film kits for windows."
Yeah, those plastic film kits are surprisingly effective. Just make sure you use a hairdryer to shrink the film tight—makes a huge difference. Did it last winter, and our living room felt way cozier.
I've used those plastic film kits too, and yeah, they're pretty decent for a quick fix. But honestly, I found weatherstripping to be way more effective in the long run. Couple winters ago, our bedroom window was letting in a nasty draft—tried the plastic film first, and it helped some, but still felt chilly around the edges. Switched to weatherstripping tape (the foam kind), and it sealed things up tight. Took maybe 20 minutes tops, and the difference was noticeable right away. Plus, you don't have to redo it every year like the plastic film.
One tip though: make sure you clean the window frame really well before applying it. Learned that the hard way when mine started peeling off halfway through winter... had to redo it on a freezing Saturday morning—not fun.
I've had pretty good luck with weatherstripping too, especially around older windows. Another thing that worked surprisingly well for me was rope caulk—it's basically a putty-like material you press into gaps around the window frame. Easy to apply, no mess, and you can peel it off in spring if you want to open the windows again.
One winter, our kitchen window was letting in a ridiculous draft (seriously felt like an AC vent), and I didn't have any foam tape handy. Grabbed some rope caulk from the hardware store, pressed it into the cracks around the window sash, and boom—instant improvement. Took maybe 10 minutes tops.
Only downside is it doesn't look super neat if you're picky about aesthetics, but honestly, I'd rather have a warm room than a perfect-looking window frame. Plus, it's cheap and removable, so no harm in giving it a shot if foam tape isn't cutting it or if you're in a pinch.
Rope caulk definitely has its moments, but honestly, I've found it can be a bit hit-or-miss depending on the window type. A couple winters ago, I tried it on some old wooden windows in our guest room—seemed great at first, but after a few weeks of temperature swings and humidity changes, it started cracking and peeling away. Ended up having to redo it mid-season, which was kind of annoying.
If you're looking for something quick and removable, have you ever tried those shrink-wrap window insulation kits? I know they sound gimmicky (and yeah, they're not exactly pretty either), but they actually work surprisingly well. You just tape the plastic film around the frame and hit it with a hairdryer to tighten it up. Did this at my parents' place last winter when their living room window was basically an icebox... made a huge difference.
Anyway, rope caulk can definitely help in a pinch, but if your drafts are stubborn or your windows shift around a lot with weather changes, you might want to keep other options handy too.
Had a similar issue last winter with an old sliding window in our kitchen. Tried rope caulk first, but it didn't hold up well—kept peeling off after a few weeks. Ended up using the shrink-wrap kit you mentioned, and honestly, it worked better than I expected. Not the prettiest solution, but it kept the cold air out until spring rolled around. Worth a shot if you're stuck.
"Ended up using the shrink-wrap kit you mentioned, and honestly, it worked better than I expected."
Glad to hear the shrink-wrap kit worked out for you! I had a drafty bedroom window a couple winters ago—same story, rope caulk was useless. I eventually went with the shrink-wrap too, and it surprised me how much warmer the room felt afterward. One tip though: make sure you get a good seal before shrinking it down. Learned that the hard way when mine started peeling halfway through January... had to redo it on a freezing afternoon.