My house is old and the wooden windows don't close properly. In winter a lot of wind and cold get in, and my energy bill becomes ridiculously high. Is it worth putting on film, weatherstripping, or is it better to replace the windows? How much does it cost roughly to do that?
Weatherstripping rubber is the quickest and cheapest way to start. You buy some foam or self-adhesive rubber rolls (like the ones from Seladora or generic brands, doesn't matter) for around 5-15€ a roll and stick them around the window frame. It works if the problem is just air leaking through the gaps, but if the window doesn't close properly to begin with, it's limited because the rubber will compress and flatten out pretty quickly. Thermal film is more of a placebo - it reduces cold air getting through a bit but doesn't solve the real problem. Only worth it if you rarely open those windows.
Replacing them is the proper solution, but obviously it costs more. Aluminum windows with double glazing (the bare minimum that's decent) run about 300-600€ per unit depending on size and quality, plus labor. If it's an old house with several windows, this easily adds up to hundreds or thousands. That said, it'll save you significantly on energy in the medium term - I'm talking maybe 20-30% on heating costs, it's not pie in the sky. If only one or two rooms are really suffering, fix those first. While you're at it, check if there's also air leaking in through the front door and the gutters - loads of people forget about that and it's money down the drain.
Insulating film isn't going to solve much, it's more just for looks 😅 Your real problem is the seal on the sashes, which over time as the wood shifts, leaves gaps all over the place.
The most practical solution is to start with self-adhesive weatherstripping (you can get it at any hardware store, it's cheap), but honestly with windows that old you'll probably find there are spots where the sash doesn't fit properly into the frame. If the wood is warped or the hinges have given way, it's not just a sealing issue. In that case it's worth getting someone to look at it and see if they can adjust the sashes or if it needs more serious repair before you put anything on.
As for replacing the windows, yeah, it gets pricey (around 200-400€ per window depending on size and quality), but they last 20-30 years and you save a lot on heating. If it's just one or two windows that are really drafty, maybe it's worth doing that and using weatherstripping on the others for now. But have a good look at the overall condition first - sometimes a good adjustment makes a real difference 👍
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