Does The Internet's Newspaper Hack For Insulating Drafty Windows Actually Work?

How is it that cold drafts always seem to find you, no matter where you sit or stand? They don't just make you uncomfortable, they also leach the warmth out of your home and push up your heating bills. Drafty windows are often a problem area, and there are numerous ways you can insulate them. One hack, mentioned by environmental organization Friends of the Earth, among others, is to use newspapers for draft proofing. It would certainly be cheaper than many alternatives, but does it actually work?

Our research turned up a couple of different ideas, and we'll look at those in detail in a moment. First, though, it's worth checking whether your windows are actually the culprits. There's no point wasting time and energy insulating them further if they're not the reason you have a cold draft in your home. Fortunately, there is a simple trick to check windows and doors for drafts that only takes a few minutes and only requires a match or candle. If drafty windows are indeed where the cold air is coming from, it's time to shut it out!

The basic newspaper hack involves crumpling them up and stuffing them into any obvious gaps between the windows and walls. Apparently, although frowned upon by most reputable contractors, it's a pro trick from way back — presumably, back when more people actually read newspapers. Newspaper is actually quite a good insulator and is now being promoted by some companies as an eco-friendly alternative to existing construction products like fiberglass.

What this first hack doesn't tackle is gaps in the frames themselves or heat escaping through the glass. One post on eHow suggests making a paste using flour and water and actually sticking sheets of newspaper to your windows, though they admit it may need several layers to add insulation of any value. It will also dramatically cut down the amount of light getting in, it'll make your home look derelict, and then there's the hassle of peeling it all off come the spring.

So while that's not going to be everyone's favorite method, it could be modified. Plastic wrap can be used to prevent drafts, too, and one method sees it simply taped over the windows. The same could be done with newspapers. It's not a particularly durable option, and condensation might cause problems, but it would be easy to replace any sheets that got damp or torn.

Using newspaper to insulate drafty windows costs next to nothing and will certainly have some impact when trying to prevent cold air from getting in. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that 25 to 30% of heat loss could be through your windows, so anything is better than nothing.

However, it will make any room much darker, and there's no denying it doesn't look great. There are some very affordable ways to reseal drafty windows that you might want to try instead. They do cost a few bucks but are great value for money. For example, you can buy 26 feet of self-adhesive window draft stopper at Amazon for under $20. It's durable, weather-resistant polyurethane that can be cut with scissors, so it's easy to fit. It can also be used on door bottoms. DAP's Seal 'N Peel Removable Caulk is another budget-friendly option that is simple to use. It creates a weatherproof seal, won't damage paint, and peels off when it's no longer needed. It's also clear, so it is almost invisible.