Window seals – the rubber or foam strips around frames – are what keep outside air, dust and noise from sneaking in through tiny gaps. Over time, they harden, crack or peel away.

A yearly check, especially before extreme weather seasons, helps you catch problems early. If you feel drafts near closed windows, see daylight through gaps, or notice dust collecting in lines, your seals may be failing.

Replacing or repairing them reduces unwanted heat entering in summer and warmth escaping in winter. This means your fans, heaters or ACs don’t have to work as hard, which directly affects your energy bills. It also improves comfort – fewer cold drafts at night, less street noise, and fewer insects slipping in.

It’s not a glamorous job, but it’s relatively low-cost and makes your home feel tighter, quieter and easier to keep at a comfortable temperature.