The trickiest part was figuring out where the cold air was actually sneaking in. Sometimes it’s just those little gaps you’d never expect.
Totally get that—my 1950s place had a draft coming from behind a light switch, of all things. I started with the attic too, then hit the basement rim joists. Didn’t bother with the windows right away. If you tackle one spot at a time, it’s way less overwhelming. Plus, you can actually feel the difference after each step, which is pretty motivating.
Funny you mention the light switch—those are sneaky spots. I’ve seen people totally overlook outlets and switches, but sometimes that’s where you get the craziest drafts. Did you ever try those foam gaskets behind the plates? I’m always curious whether folks notice a real difference with those, or if it’s just one of those things that makes you feel productive for an afternoon. Also, did you end up dealing with the windows eventually, or just leave them for last? Sometimes old glass has its own “charm,” but man... it can be brutal in winter.
I’ve put those foam gaskets in a bunch of places—honestly, sometimes you feel a difference, sometimes not so much. I think it really depends on how drafty the rest of the house is. If you’ve got old windows, like you mentioned, those can totally overshadow any gains from outlets and switches. Ever tried the window film kits? I’ve seen people swear by them, but I always wonder if it’s more hassle than it’s worth, especially if you’re planning to replace the windows anyway.
Window film kits are a mixed bag in my experience. They do help cut down drafts, but honestly, if your windows are really old and leaky, it’s more of a temporary band-aid. I’ve used them a couple winters—easy enough to put up, but they can look a bit tacky and don’t last long if you open the windows much. If you’re planning to replace the windows soon, I’d probably skip the hassle unless you’re desperate for a quick fix. Sometimes it feels like chasing tiny leaks when there’s a big hole somewhere else, you know?
Yeah, window film kits are a quick fix at best. I’ve patched up plenty of old windows with them for clients who needed something fast, but honestly, if the frames are shot, you’re just delaying the inevitable. Full insulation jobs take longer, but they actually solve the problem.