How Air Infiltration Affects Your Utah Home
Have you ever stood near a window in your Orem or Provo home on a crisp morning and felt a cold draft, or even noticed your heating system seems to be working harder than it should? That’s air infiltration in action — and it’s more than an annoyance.
Air infiltration through old, poorly sealed, or low-efficiency windows can significantly impact your home’s energy efficiency, comfort, and utility bills. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, roughly 25-30% of a home’s heating and cooling energy can be lost through windows.
In Utah, where winters can bring temperatures into the 20s °F (or lower in mountain valleys) and summers push into the 90s, poor window performance means:
Your heater is running longer and harder.
Some rooms feel noticeably colder (or hotter in summer) than others.
You may see condensation, frost, or ice forming on or around windows.
You might wake up or enter a room and instantly feel a chill.
All of this adds up — to discomfort, higher energy bills, and potentially higher wear on your HVAC system.
Why Your Windows Might Be Letting Cold Air In
Let’s unpack the common causes of drafts and cold spots around windows — especially relevant for homes in the Orem / Provo area.
Worn or missing weather-stripping & caulking: Over time, the seals around windows degrade, crack, or separate. That allows outside air to sneak in.
Single-pane or low-efficiency glass: Older windows may be single pane or lack low-emissivity (Low-E) coatings or insulating gas fills (argon, krypton). These features help keep heat in. Without them, heat escapes and cold enters.
Frame or installation gaps: Even if the glass is efficient, if the window frame is poorly sealed to the wall, or if the installation is sub-par, drafts can occur.
Uneven temperature zones: Sometimes the window itself is fine, but the surrounding wall, sill, or trim is poorly insulated or has thermal bridging (common in older Utah homes).
Extreme local conditions: In our region we have large day-night temperature swings, winter cold snaps, and sometimes strong winds funneling through the valley. These amplify any weaknesses in your windows.
What Homeowners in Orem & Provo Can Do Today
Here’s a mix of actionable repairs you can undertake now — plus when it might be time to consider a full replacement.
✅ Short-Term Fixes
Check around your windows on a windy day: Run your hand slowly along the perimeter of closed windows (frame, sash, sill). If you feel a noticeable draft, there’s a leak.
Weather-strip & caulk: Replace missing or damaged foam or rubber weather-stripping around sashes. Re-caulk gaps between the window frame and the wall or trim.
Install insulated curtains or window films: According to the DOE, window coverings and attachments can help reduce heat loss and cold drafts. The Department of Energy's Energy.gov+1
Use interior storm panels (if older windows): Temporarily adding an auxiliary layer can help until you’re ready for a permanent solution.
🔧 Long-Term/Replacement Solutions
Upgrade to double- or triple-pane windows: Modern windows with Low-E coatings + argon fill + quality frames dramatically reduce infiltration and heat transfer.
Choose a proper installation with attention to sealing & insulation: Even the best window can under-perform if it isn’t properly fitted, sealed, and backed with appropriate insulation and flashing.
Look at energy-rating labels: For Utah’s climate, look for low U-factor (better insulation) and appropriate SHGC (solar heat gain coefficient) values to balance winter heat retention and summer heat rejection.
Check local incentives: There may be rebates or credits for energy-efficient upgrades in Utah homes — ask us about local programs.
Why Work With Us in the Orem & Provo Region
At JDI Windows, we specialize in serving homeowners in the Utah Valley (including Orem, Provo, Lindon, American Fork, Pleasant Grove). Here’s how we stand out:
We understand the local climate challenges: winter cold snaps, dry mountain air, and variable summer heat.
We carry a selection of window systems optimized for performance in Utah’s temperature swings.
We handle the full service: evaluation, product selection, professional installation, and warranty support.
Our job isn’t done until you feel the comfort difference — less draft, more stable indoor temperatures, lower energy use.
Ready for a Free Consultation?
Don’t wait for another drafty morning or rising heating bill. Contact us today to schedule a no-obligation in-home assessment. We’ll inspect your windows, show you where cold air is entering, and recommend the best fix for your home — whether that’s a simple seal upgrade or a full high-performance window replacement.
Call (385) 233-6457
(Serving Orem, Provo, American Fork, Pleasant Grove, Lindon & surrounding Utah Valley towns.)