November 25, 2025

Greetings!

Every winter, my heating bill tries to humble me. No matter how careful I am with the thermostat, it always feels like warm air is slipping right out of my house and straight into the neighbor's yard.

Last year, I finally stopped blaming the furnace and started looking at my windows. And what I found honestly surprised me.

Windows are one of the biggest sources of heat loss in most homes, especially older ones. And the good news? You do not need new custom windows to fix the problem.

Here is how to winterize what you already have and start keeping your money where it belongs.

Be Well,
Anisa

Please add anisa@gophercentral.com to your address book or visit here.

Why Your Windows Are Costing You More Than You Think

According to energy experts, windows can account for up to 30 percent of heating loss in a home. That warm air you are paying for? A lot of it is quietly sneaking out through tiny gaps, loose frames, and untreated glass.

The colder it gets, the harder your heating system works. And that shows up fast on your bill.

The fix is not fancy. It is practical.

Easy Ways To Winterize Your Windows

Use window insulation kits.
These are thin plastic sheets that shrink tightly over your window with a hair dryer. They create a sealed air pocket that keeps cold air out and warm air in. Most kits cost under $15 and can do several windows.

Seal cracks with caulk.
Check for small cracks around your window frame. A tube of paintable caulk or weather seal can make a huge difference for just a few dollars.

Add weather stripping.
If your windows rattle or feel drafty, old weather stripping might be the culprit. Replacing it can stop that cold air in its tracks.

Close curtains at night.
It may seem simple, but thick curtains or thermal drapes add an extra layer of insulation after sunset.

Use door draft stoppers on leaky window sills.
If cold air pools at the base of your windows, a simple draft stopper can help until you make larger fixes.

Did You Know?

Even a tiny 1/8 inch gap around your window can let in as much cold air as leaving a small window open all winter.

Sealing and insulating your windows can reduce your heating bill by 10 to 25 percent depending on your home. That can mean hundreds of dollars every winter, all from a few low cost adjustments.

And unlike new windows, these fixes pay off immediately.

In Closing...

Winter is expensive enough. Groceries cost more. Heating costs more. Everything costs more.

So before you turn that thermostat higher, take a look at your windows. A little plastic, a little caulk, and a little effort can keep the warm air inside and your money in your pocket.

You Said It, We Saved It

From the 11/11 edition:

"I used WD40 to remove sticker residue from a glass jar. Now I reuse them for pantry storage. No more buying new containers."

"I sprayed my snow shovel with WD40 before a storm. The snow did not stick at all. What a time saver."

"My husband thought I was crazy for using it on our bathroom faucets. Now they shine like new."

Reply back to me with any comments on today's or past issues.

Featured Freebie: Free Wildflower Seed Packets

In an effort to help bees you can get a free wildflower seed packet. Request seed packet here
Fill out the form below and your free seed packet will be shipped to you.

Make sure you get your friends involved and help us plant more wildflowers for our pollinators!

---

Missed An Issue? Visit our archives loaded with past and new issues.