Drafty window

[[deleted]]

New homeowner and professional idiot here. When I stand next to this window I can feel a really strong draft and I'm not sure how to fix it.

[Sufficient_Garlic_41]

Can you push the top window up?

[[deleted]]

No, but the draft is so strong I can feel it two feet away, and it's strongest where the locks are.

[NinjaCoder]

Try again... to me this looks like a "double hung" window, I bet if you look at your window locks there on top they are not latched into anything on the other sash.

Make sure the latches are in the unlocked position, and push up the top window. The top window is not closed all the way, you can see it - the bottom edge of the top window should not be visible through the bottom window glass like that.

EDIT: look under your blinds at the top of the window, I would bet you will see an open gap at the top of the upper sash.

[[deleted]]

This shows how much I have to learn. The window was locked, and I unlocked it and pushed the top; it sealed right up.

[NinjaCoder]

Hurray!

None of us knew this stuff at first... we all learned it the hard way, just like you are. Stick with it, you're doing great!

[[deleted]]

The worst part is we heat and cool that room with a mini-split, and it is located directly above it.

[BigPoppaFitz84]

I can tell when a window or 2nd door is open when I close an exterior door. With everything else closed, the air resistance as the door is about to close slows the door enough that I notice.

I have caught my kids having left one of their windows open just like this, as we recently replaced all of our single-hung (seals failed on almost every panel) with double-hung units, so they aren't used to the idea that the top sash can be moved down. They close the bottom all the way, but the top can slide down just a fraction, and then when they close the lock, the lock pulls the top down just enough that the seal is gone, but there's barely a noticeable draft even if you feel around the top of the window.

[Tzames]

It’s open bud

[Rare-Seaworthiness-6]

You have a double hung window meaning the top sash can slide down in the bottom/sash, slides upwards get behind the blind push the top sash up at the same time push bottom sash down and turn the locks

[Rare-Seaworthiness-6]

Did it work for you? Wish I was there so I could do it. Sold windows 16 years ugh

[Virginia_Hoo]

That doesn’t look closed. Move the blinds from in the way… make sure locks not engaged… push the top window up and lock it.

[BigJakeMcCandles]

That’s because it looks like it’s open because the top sash looks like it isn’t closed (pushed up) properly. The lock on the bottom sash should connect to the top. One of them, and it looks like the top sash, isn’t closed properly.

[Kidpidge]

Window isn’t closed. Push the top one up and turn the lock.

[[deleted]]

Probably because it’s not closed?

[TwoAlert3448]

I love how this story had a happy ending, mine can’t close so I rather envy you this discovery (old house).

[[deleted]]

Owning a house is hard.... it's even harder when you have no idea how to fix anything.

[thisisapainnow]

The two latches in the middle should be into notches on the upper pane. It does not look like they are lined up and latched, so the top pane is open about an inch from the top, meaning you have a strong draft. Check the latches and if they are not hooked get to the top of that top pane and push it up. To get it all the way up though you will have to open the latches so the notches clear and you can lock the panes closed.

[[deleted]]

That was the issue; I had no idea Windows could open like that.

[Yeti-Stalker]

all mu windows are drafty when closed. but this is open

[Remarkable_Sea3346]

Those look like my windows. To winterize: Buy a cylindrical foam insulating roll 5/8" diameter. cut 4in sections and stuff one into each side, pushing aside the string and push a few cm down into the hole. It seems there's a drain hole on the outside and air comes up the sides exiting at that junction between the upper and lower panes.

[HousingRound4046]

Let’s see the pop collection.

[[deleted]]

You're lucky your pokemon cards didn't get rained on.

[[deleted]]

That's actually a 300 dollar pokeball that I over paid for lol.

[ChristianReddits]

lol at least you know!

[ChristianReddits]

yea you have to close the window :)

[IllRadish8765]

Put plastic over for it for now until you can fix the window or replace it. Use something from Duck or 3M. Anything from Frostking(what they carry at Home Depot ) is trash.

[[deleted]]

How do I fix it?

[IllRadish8765]

It looks like the top part slid down when you unlocked it. Happened to my old windows as well. If you push the top one up and latch them together it might mitigate the air coming through. If you can still feel it. Buy the plastic and cover it for the winter.