Why Is It Always Cold By My Window In The Winter? (And How To Fix It)

Gazing out of your windows as the snow falls outside can be a tranquil and enjoyable experience for people who live in cold climates. It’s a great way to experience the power and beauty of winter without having to feel its frigid effects. If, however, you find yourself abnormally cold every time you get close to one of your windows in the winter, you’ll want to find the source of this cool air and fix the problem as soon as possible. 

Reasons it is cold by your windows in the winter include cracks between the window, faulty hardware, and old caulking. Single pane and older window treatments tend to have poor insulation, and large windows usually let in more cold than smaller ones. Swap out old hardware, and replace old window treatments with new ones that are insulated. Re-caulk your windows, and incorporate insulating drapes and space heaters to keep the area warm.

If the area near your windows is always cold in the winter time, this can be a sign of a major problem that you should address immediately. This cold air can cause plants to die, people to get sick, and it will likely make your electric bill skyrocket. Below is a list of all the common reasons it’s cold near the windows of your in the winter, as well as the top ways to fix this problem.

Seven Reasons Why It’s Always Cold By Your Window In The Winter 

1. Cracks In The Window Treatment

One of the most common reasons why a window leaks cold air in the winter is because there is a crack or gap somewhere in the window treatment. These cracks and gaps can happen nearly anywhere. 

If the windows have wooden elements, the wood can crack, and there are even small spaces that can form over time around the glass, and anywhere along the edges of the window. If you feel gusts coming through along the edges of your window, there’s a good chance a crack or window gap is to blame.

2. Poor Insulation Around The Window

Another reason it’s always cold near your windows in the winter has to do with a lack of window insulation. If your windows were not installed with insulation in mind, there’s a chance cold air can find its way through. 

Even if you don’t feel rushes of cold air, you may feel that the windows and area around the windows is cold as ice to the touch. This cold can permeate the air around the window, causing it to feel much colder than the rest of the room.

3. You Have The Wrong Windows For Your Climate

There are hundreds of different styles of window treatments, and they are all designed for different purposes. If you live somewhere with hard winters, then you need windows that are built for that season's cold.

If you didn’t have insulating and winterized windows installed (or if there was a mistake made), your windows may not hold up against the harsh weather outside.

4. Old And Ineffective Caulking

Caulking is a great way to seal up cracks and vulnerable sections of your home. There is almost always some caulking work on and around window treatments. This caulking doesn't last forever, and it doesn’t repair itself. 

Stripped, cracked, or peeling caulking on the area around your windows in your home might be noticeably colder than other areas.

5. Faulty Hardware And Seals

In addition to the windows themselves, there’s also a chance the hardware on your windows is to blame for the cold air you feel. Old, unsecured and poorly placed hardware may cause gaps when the window is shut and locked.

These gaps can cause cold air to leak into your home, and can sometimes also allow water in.

6. You Have Large Window Panes 

Sometimes the reason it's cold by your windows is simply because of the window design. If you have very large window panes (that aren’t specifically designed to be insulated) then the area around them may feel colder.

This is because glass does not insulate nearly as well as the walls of your home. If you have giant windows, that’s a lot of space along your wall that lacks the quality protection the rest of the walls offer.

7. An Issue With The Weather Stripping

Weather stripping is another fundamental element to windows, especially ones that you open and close regularly. It adds an extra layer of protection around the window and helps prevent drafts from getting through.

If your weather stripping is old, damaged, or non-existent, your windows may be draftier and less insulating than normal.

Six Ways To Prevent Window Areas From Getting Cold In The Winter

1. Re-Caulk And Seal Cracks

If your windows are drafty due to cracks or old caulking, then you need to seal the area. While it isn’t ideal, you can caulk in the winter. Just make sure you choose warm and dry days, and not the coldest days.

Sealing cracks will help keep cold drafts from coming in, and the area around your windows warmer. It will also help lower your electric bill in the winter.

2. Replace Your Windows

If it’s always cold near your windows because they are old, or don’t insulate at all, then you may want to replace your window treatments altogether. Replacing windows is expensive, so make sure you budget for this home improvement project.

While pricey, it’s important to remember that replacing your windows will save you money in the long run, as new windows can lower your utility bill, and even make your home more valuable. 

3. Replace Old Hardware

If the reason it’s always cold by your windows in the winter is because of old or faulty hardware, then simply replace it. Don’t let a small piece of metal be the reason you have to sit bundled up by a window every day in the winter months.

4. Replace Weather Stripping Every Few Years

Winter stripping on windows is essential, especially when you live somewhere with all four seasons. It’s important you remember weather stripping must be replaced every few years. 

Don’t wait until the weather stripping is ineffective before you repair it. Instead, replace it on a regular schedule every two or three years (depending on how much wear and tear it endures).

5. Use Insulating Drapes

Sometimes, it’s impossible to stop the cold from entering your home near your windows. This is true if you have older windows, or giant window frames. The good news is that you can still block a lot of this cold air by installing thick insulating curtains or drapes.

Close the drapes at night and any time you aren’t in the room. While this may block the view and natural light during the day, it also blocks the cold air from entering into the home.

6. Use Space Heaters

If you are looking for a quick fix, and love sitting by a particularly cold window, then consider buying a space heater. Space heaters will warm up the area by the window without costing much money.

You only need to turn these heaters on when you are in the specific spot, and they are effective at keeping the immediate surrounding area warm and cozy.

Summing Up Why It’s Cold By Windows (And How To Fix It)

Windows allow you a glimpse into the outside world in the winter without having to endure the frigid temperatures. There are, however, times when cold air can sneak past your windows and make the area surrounding your windows cold. Cold air near your windows is often caused by cracks and gaps, or poor insulation around the windows. 

To fix this problem, re-caulk your windows as needed, replace old hardware, and consider buying new window treatments when your budget allows for it. As a quick fix, you can install insulating drapes or even buy a space heater.

Related Guides:

• Why Is My House Cold Even With The Heat On?
• How To Keep A Poorly Insulated House Warm
• Should You Insulate Your Garage? (Door, Ceiling, Attic, Roof, Walls)