Even with the heat running, a cold breeze across the floor or that constant chill near a window can make the whole house feel frigid.
In most cases, those drafts aren’t signs of a major issue. They’re just small gaps that let outside air sneak in, and sealing them isn’t complicated. With a bit of time and the right materials, you can keep the warm air where it belongs and take some of the pressure off your furnace while you’re at it.
Start with the Obvious Spots
The most common draft sources are the ones you use every day: doors and windows. Over time, weatherstripping wears down and caulk dries, creating gaps that let air slip through. Even newer windows can leak if the seals aren’t installed properly.
Run your hand around the edge of each window frame and exterior door. If you feel cold air coming through, it’s time to seal it up. For doors, replace worn-out weatherstripping or install a door sweep at the bottom to stop airflow. For windows, fresh caulk around the trim can make a big difference.
Don’t Skip the Attic
Heat rises, and if your attic isn’t sealed and insulated correctly, you’re losing a lot of it. Look for gaps around recessed lights, attic access panels, and plumbing or electrical penetrations. These spots are notorious for letting warm air escape and pulling cold air through the house’s lower parts.
Expanding foam works well for sealing small openings. For larger gaps, you may need to add rigid insulation or weatherstripping around the access panel.
If you notice frost in your attic or condensation around nails and rafters, STOP and call a pro. That’s a sign that moisture is coming into your home, and you’ll want to talk to a pro as soon as possible to prevent long-term water damage.
Seal the Basement and Foundation
Many homeowners focus on windows and walls but forget the basement is part of the envelope, too. Rim joists, foundation sills, and utility cutouts are all places where cold air sneaks in. These leaks are especially common in older homes that were built before air sealing was a priority.
Caulk works well for hairline cracks, especially around areas where plumbing or electrical lines come through the wall. For bigger gaps, it’s worth using spray foam or rigid insulation that won’t shrink or shift over time. And if your basement windows are letting in too much cold, even a basic shrink film kit can help hold the line until you’re ready to upgrade them properly.
Pay Attention to Interior Trouble Spots
Some drafts don’t come from outside at all, which usually indicates an interior airflow issue. When air can’t move freely from one room to the next—maybe because of closed doors or blocked vents– the air near the floor feels cooler, and the temperature across the space doesn’t stay consistent.
Another place to check are outlets and light switches on outside walls, especially in older homes. You can usually feel it on windy days. Installing foam gaskets behind the cover plates is a simple fix, and you don’t need anything more than a screwdriver to do it.
Consider a Professional Assessment
Sometimes, the draft you feel isn’t coming from where you think it is. Air has a way of following the path of least resistance, and leaks in one part of the house can affect comfort in another. A professional energy audit uses tools like blower doors and infrared cameras to pinpoint exactly where air is moving in and out. From there, you get a clear roadmap for improvements that will have the biggest impact.
Some Minnesota utilities offer discounted or even free audits as part of energy-saving programs. These services often include insulation checks and advice on ventilation, giving you a more complete view of your home’s performance.
Minor Fixes, Big Payoff
Start with a few key upgrades to how your home is sealed up, and you’ll likely notice rooms heating more evenly and staying warm longer between cycles. Over time, sealing up your home helps protect the investment you’ve already made in heating and insulation.
If you’ve done some sealing work and still notice uneven heat or cold air settling in the same spots, the problem might go deeper than just a draft. Schwantes can take a closer look and figure out whether airflow, insulation, or the system itself is holding things back. Give us a call and we’ll help you get to the bottom of it.
