‍How to Stop Drafts and Keep Your Minnesota Home Cozy This Winter

‍How to Stop Drafts and Keep Your Minnesota Home Cozy This Winter

Winter in Minnesota is no joke. With snow, ice, and temperatures that can dip well below freezing, staying comfortable indoors is a top priority for most of us. While some people embrace the winter chill, most of us prefer to enjoy it from the comfort of our warm homes. But what if your home isn’t as warm as it should be? A draft could be the culprit, sneaking cold air in and making your heating system work overtime.

If you're tired of high energy bills and cold spots in your home, you’re in the right place. In this blog, we’ll show you how to identify and eliminate drafts in your home—saving you money and keeping your family warm all winter long.

At Midwest Exteriors MN, we specialize in home exterior repairs that boost energy efficiency and keep Minnesota homes comfortable year-round. Whether you need new windows, door repairs, or an attic inspection, we have the expertise to help.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

What exactly is a draft?
The most common places drafts sneak in
Quick fixes vs. long-term solutions
How to find drafts in your home
Why stopping drafts is worth your time and money

What Is a Draft?

A draft occurs when cold air finds its way into your home through gaps, cracks, or areas with insufficient insulation. These drafts can not only make your living space uncomfortable, but they can also put a strain on your heating system. Your furnace has to work harder to warm the cold air entering your home, leading to higher energy bills and unnecessary wear and tear on your HVAC system.

Common Places to Find Drafts in Your Minnesota Home

Minnesota homes are prone to drafts during the winter, but the good news is, most drafts can be easily traced to a few common culprits. Let’s take a look at the usual suspects:

Drafty Windows

Cold air can sneak in around window frames, especially if they’re old or poorly sealed. Drafty windows are a major source of heat loss during the winter months, and while temporary solutions like weatherstripping or plastic film can help, a more permanent fix may be needed—like replacing outdated windows with energy-efficient models.

Exterior Doors

Your front door and back door are prime areas for drafts. Over time, weatherstripping can wear down, thresholds can shift, and gaps can form around the doorframe. This lets cold air in and warm air out. Replacing weatherstripping or door sweeps can be a simple fix that makes a big difference.

Electrical Outlets

Did you know your electrical outlets could be letting in cold air? Outlets located on exterior walls can be a common source of drafts, especially in older homes with outdated insulation. Installing foam outlet gaskets is an easy, budget-friendly solution to prevent cold air from entering your home through these small openings.

Attic Access

If your attic access isn’t properly sealed, it could be allowing cold air to seep into your home. This can be especially problematic in the winter, when you want your living space to stay warm and cozy. Sealing your attic access can help regulate temperatures throughout your home, reduce ice dam formation, and improve energy efficiency.

Quick Tips for Eliminating Drafts

There are several ways to address drafts—some are quick DIY fixes, and others may require professional help. Here's what you can do now, and what may need a more long-term solution.

Fixing Drafty Windows

One of the most common places for drafts is around windows. Start by inspecting the exterior caulking around the window frames. If it’s cracked or peeling, it needs to be replaced. Inside, you can remove the trim, fill any gaps with spray foam, and re-seal it for added protection.

If your windows are old or have single-pane glass, upgrading to energy-efficient, double-pane windows is the best solution. Not only will this improve your home's insulation, but it will also reduce heating and cooling costs year-round.

Sealing Exterior Doors

If your doors are drafty, replace the weatherstripping and install a new door sweep at the bottom. Be sure to measure your door’s thickness and the gap between the door and the threshold to ensure a proper fit. If the door itself is old and inefficient, it may be time for a replacement.

Insulating Electrical Outlets

Installing foam gaskets around your electrical outlets is a simple, effective way to prevent drafts. These gaskets are inexpensive and can be installed in just a few minutes with a screwdriver.

Sealing Attic Access

An unsealed attic access can be a significant source of drafts. Look for gaps or cracks around the attic door or hatch, and use weatherstripping or spray foam to seal them. This will help keep cold air out and prevent your heating system from working harder than necessary.

How to Find Drafts in Your Home

Finding where drafts are coming from doesn’t require high-tech gadgets. You can use simple household items to locate the sources of cold air. Here are a few methods:

The Flashlight Test: Stand outside your home at night and shine a flashlight around the edges of your doors and windows. Have someone inside look for any light seeping through. If you see light, you've found a draft.
Candle Test: Light a candle and hold it near door and window frames. If the flame flickers, it’s a sign that air is moving through those gaps.
Dollar Bill Test: Close a dollar bill in the door or window and gently tug on it. If it slides out easily, there’s a draft.

Why Stopping Drafts Is Worth It

Addressing drafts in your Minnesota home offers several benefits:

Lower Energy Bills: By sealing drafts, you’ll reduce the load on your heating system, meaning lower utility bills.
Improved Comfort: No more cold spots! Sealing drafts makes your home more comfortable, with consistent temperatures throughout.
Longer HVAC Life: When your heating system doesn’t have to work overtime, it lasts longer and requires fewer repairs.
Increased Home Value: Energy-efficient upgrades like new windows and doors can boost your home’s value and appeal to potential buyers.

Get Help from Midwest Exteriors MN

At Midwest Exteriors MN, we specialize in home exterior repairs that enhance energy efficiency and comfort. If you suspect that drafts are making your home less cozy, our team can inspect your windows, doors, siding, and roof to identify and resolve any issues. From quick fixes to full replacements, we’ve got you covered.

If you’re ready to make your home more comfortable this winter, reach out to us for a free consultation. Let’s make sure your Minnesota home stays warm and energy-efficient, no matter what the weather throws your way!