Feeling Cold Spots and Drafts When Temperatures Drop? Here’s What to Do.

When temperatures fall below freezing, many homeowners suddenly notice it:

• A cold corner in the living room
• A chilly upstairs bedroom
• Drafts near windows
• Floors that feel unusually cold

If you’re turning up the thermostat but still feeling uncomfortable, your home may be losing heat somewhere.

The good news? Most cold spots are fixable.

Why Cold Spots Happen

When outside temperatures plunge, small weaknesses in your home’s insulation or air sealing become very noticeable. What feels minor in October becomes obvious in January.

Here are the most common causes:

Air Leaks Around Windows & Doors

Even tiny gaps allow cold air in and warm air out.

What to do:

• Add weatherstripping to doors
• Install door sweeps
• Caulk around window frames
• Use thermal curtains during extreme cold

Insulation That’s Thin or Settled

Over time, attic insulation can settle and lose effectiveness.

What to do:

• Check attic insulation depth (most homes should have 12–18 inches)
• Look for compressed or bare spots
• Consider adding blown-in insulation

HVAC Airflow Issues

If one room is warm and another is cold, airflow may be uneven.

What to do:

• Replace dirty air filters
• Make sure vents aren’t blocked by furniture
• Check for closed or partially closed dampers
• Have ductwork inspected for leaks

Basement or Crawlspace Cold Transfer

Cold air from below can travel up through floors and exterior walls.

What to do:

• Insulate rim joists
• Seal crawlspace gaps
• Add insulation to unfinished basement areas

A Quick DIY Draft Test

On a very cold day:

• Hold a candle or incense stick near windows and doors
• If the flame flickers, you likely have air movement
• Check outlets on exterior walls for noticeable drafts

For a deeper evaluation, consider a professional energy audit. Many utility companies offer them at low cost.

When It May Be a Bigger Issue

If you notice:

• One room consistently 5–10 degrees colder
• Your furnace is running constantly
• Unusually high heating bills
• Ice dams forming on the roof

You may be dealing with a larger insulation or HVAC problem.

This is where professional evaluation becomes important.

The Bottom Line

Cold spots aren’t just uncomfortable they’re costing you money in lost heat and higher energy bills.

Winter exposes the weak points in a home.

Smart homeowners use that information to make improvements before the next season hits.

A more comfortable home is usually closer than you think.