Okay, so I've been noticing lately my living room feels colder than the rest of the house, even with the heat cranked up. Did a little investigating (aka waving my hand around windows and doors like a weirdo) and yep, there's definitely some cold air sneaking in. Got me wondering how common this is. Quick poll: Do you guys usually DIY fix these drafts or just call someone to handle it? I'm kinda torn between laziness and saving money, haha.
I've dealt with this exact issue recently.
"Did a little investigating (aka waving my hand around windows and doors like a weirdo)"
Haha, been there. Honestly, for something like drafts around windows and doors, DIY is usually pretty straightforward and cost-effective. I picked up some weatherstripping tape and door sweeps from the hardware store, watched a couple quick YouTube vids, and knocked it out in an afternoon. Made a noticeable difference right away, and it wasn't nearly as tedious as I expected.
If you're short on time or patience, calling someone in isn't a bad idea, especially if the drafts are coming from trickier spots. But if it's mostly standard doors/windows, DIY is worth the effort and savings, IMO.
"DIY is usually pretty straightforward and cost-effective."
Totally agree—weatherstripping can be a quick fix. Another thing I've found helpful is layering curtains or using heavier drapes to block drafts and add warmth visually. Sometimes, just tweaking the decor a bit can make the room feel cozier overall. Has anyone tried thermal curtains? Curious if they're worth the hype or just marketing fluff...
I've used thermal curtains in a client's older home, and honestly, they surprised me. At first, I thought it was mostly marketing hype—like how much difference could curtains really make? But after installing them in a particularly drafty living room with large windows, the client noticed a real improvement. Not only did the room feel warmer, but the curtains also added a nice visual weight that made the space feel more inviting overall.
That said, they're not miracle workers. If your windows are seriously drafty or poorly insulated, thermal curtains alone won't completely solve the issue. I'd still recommend pairing them with weatherstripping or even window film for best results. But if you're looking for something that helps noticeably and also enhances your decor, they're definitely worth considering...just don't expect them to fix everything on their own.
