"Maybe it's just me being picky or my old windows being extra stubborn..."
Honestly, I felt exactly the same way. Spent a weekend doing the hairdryer thing, looked perfect initially, but a month later... drafts again. Ended up upgrading to double-pane windows—pricey, but zero regrets.
I've been down the hairdryer-and-plastic route too, and honestly, it felt like a temporary band-aid at best. Funny thing is, my neighbor swears by those thermal curtains instead of upgrading windows—claims they made a huge difference in her drafty old house. I'm skeptical though... can curtains really compete with proper insulated windows? Seems too easy, but maybe worth a shot before dropping serious cash on replacements.
Thermal curtains can help a bit, sure, but they're definitely not a magic bullet. I've seen clients try them out, and while they do cut down on drafts and keep rooms feeling cozier, they're nowhere near the effectiveness of properly insulated windows. Think of curtains as a sweater—great for keeping you warm temporarily, but if your jacket (the windows) has holes, you're still gonna feel the chill eventually.
That said, if you're hesitant about the upfront cost of new windows, thermal curtains could buy you some time. Just don't expect miracles. Properly rated insulated windows are engineered specifically to minimize heat transfer and drafts, and that's something curtains just can't fully replicate. If your windows are seriously outdated or drafty, upgrading is usually the best long-term investment. But hey, curtains are relatively cheap, and if nothing else, they'll spruce up your room a bit while you figure out your next move.
Totally agree with the sweater analogy—curtains help, but they're not a permanent fix. Still, if you're on a tight budget (like me!), you might also consider combining thermal curtains with some weather stripping or window film. I did that last winter, and it actually made a noticeable difference. Definitely not as effective as new windows, but it kept the drafts manageable until I could save up for something better.
Good point about combining methods—have you tried checking around your outlets and switches too? Surprising how much draft comes through those little gaps... Small fixes like outlet insulation pads can really add up.
