What is the most economical way to stop cold air coming through the frames of windows and doors? Is taping plastic at the windows a good idea? I would love to change my windows to the new types but do not have the money at the moment.
Answer:
Whether you have the money or not should not matter a whole lot because you can get as much efficiency out of them as you can from new ones provided you do the plastic bit the right way. Rather than sealing the window, use sheets of plastic large enough to be taped to the wall past the window trim. More than 40% of your air infiltration and exfiltration takes place where wood trim meets plaster or drywall. Seal that and you'll find more efficiency than any other way.
