Stop cold air sneaking in: close the gaps, warm your space, skip the stress.

October 2, 2025

Say Goodbye to the Sneaky Chills That Steal Comfort From Your Space

Cold air has this annoying habit of finding its way inside — creeping through door frames, slinking beneath windowsills, and making itself a little too cosy in places it’s not welcome. One minute everything feels snug, the next, there's that unmistakable chill brushing across your ankles like a ghost with boundary issues.

You don’t need to overhaul your whole home to fix it. Sometimes, the smallest gaps cause the biggest discomfort. And with a few clever tweaks, your space can feel far warmer — and far more yours.

Primary keyword: Prevent drafts
Complementary keywords: fix window drafts, draft stopper ideas

Where Do Drafts Even Come From?

We usually blame windows or doors — and yes, they’re often the culprits. But drafts can sneak in from all sorts of unexpected places:

Cracks around light switches or power points
Loose floorboards or skirting gaps
Chimneys or flues that aren't in use
Exhaust fans without covers

Damp air can creep in right alongside them, leading to condensation, mould, and musty smells that never seem to leave. If your space feels like it’s never truly warm — even with the heater cranking — chances are, you're living with a few freeloading drafts.

How to Find the Drafts (Because They Don't Exactly Introduce Themselves)

You don’t need a thermal camera or fancy gadgets. Your hands and a tea light can do the trick.

The Hand Test: On a cold day, slowly run your hand along the edges of windows, doors, vents, and cupboards that back onto exterior walls. You'll feel where the cold air seeps through.
The Flame Flicker Test: Carefully hold a lit tea light close to the suspect area (no curtains or pets nearby, please). If the flame dances, congratulations — you've got a draft.

“Drafts aren’t just an annoyance — they’re a slow drain on comfort, energy, and even your mood.”
— Candeece H., DIY Educator & Home Hack Enthusiast

Common Drafty Spots — And How to Fix Them

1. Door Gaps (Especially the Front One)

There's nothing worse than toe-toes turning blue because cold air is sliding in under your front door. A simple door weather seal or weighted draft stopper can work wonders. Go for one that hugs the bottom snugly. Bonus points if it rolls with the door when it opens.

2. Window Frames

Feel that icy whisper every time you're near the window? It’s probably time for a little DIY weatherproofing. Foam tape is a quick fix — just peel and stick it along the inner edge of the frame. For bigger gaps (or if your windows rattle), look at using window insulation film during cooler months or a clear, weather-resistant sealant.

3. Chimney Flues

If you don’t use your fireplace, the chimney can act like a funnel for cold air, birds, and the occasional spider (yep, no thanks). Silicone chimney balloons or removable flue blocks help stop this unwanted breeze — just remember to take them out before your next fire night.

4. Exhaust Fans & Vents

Those bathroom and laundry fans often let in gusts without you realising. Pop in a draft blocker cover over unused vents, or consider installing covers with backdraft shutters that stay closed when not in use.

5. Power Points & Light Switches on External Walls

They're small, but gaps around electrical points can let cold air through. Insulated foam gaskets are available — add them behind your light or power switch plates (with power off, of course). No one sees it, but your toes will thank you.

DIY Tips That Don’t Need a Tradie

Sock Draft Stopper: Got odd socks and some rice or stuffing? You've got yourself a quick DIY fix for the bottom of doors or windows.
Peel-and-Stick Window Insulation: Easy to apply and remove when seasons change. Great for renters.
Curtains That Work Hard: Blockout curtains help trap warmth in. Double bonus if they kiss the floor and walls tight.

The Feel-Good Side of Sealing Up

Sure, stopping drafts saves a bit on power. But it’s more than that, really. It’s about waking up to a room that holds its warmth. About cooking dinner without a cold breeze brushing the back of your legs. About feeling snug, all evening, in your favourite socks and hoodie — not buried under three extra blankets.

Sealing up your space is also a quiet act of care. For your home, your body, your mood. (Especially on those long winter nights that feel like they start at 4:45 PM.)

Let’s Talk About Gaps and Grit

In older homes — and even in new ones — drafts usually mean there’s a story under the surface. Maybe a floorboard has shrunk back a little. Maybe a seal has seen one too many seasons. And sometimes, the small fixes do more than tide us over — they make us feel in control again, even when the weather outside is misbehaving.

What are the sneaky spots in your home that let the cold sneak in?

Spotted one already? Grab a cuppa, throw on your favourite playlist, and get cracking with one or two projects this weekend. Your toes will love you for it.

Cheers to cosier corners and DIY wins,

Candeece