Instead of expensive window insulation kits that are hard to install and can be used only one year, try this: buy bubble wrap. Cut it to fit each window. Dampen the window and apply the bubble wrap, flat side to the window. It's that simple. It lets the light through, looks a bit like glass block windows, and does keep the room warmer. If I touch the bubble wrap then touch the window, the wrap is definitely warmer. My bedroom is about 4 degrees warmer this year!
If the wrap comes off or you lift it up for any reason, just re-dampen the window, and it's good as new. At the end of the cold weather, I will remove the wrap, and roll it up separately for each window with a note in the middle to tell me which window it goes on, then I'll store it until next year. I bought my bubble-wrap at Walmart, about $4.50 for 100 feet. A roll and a half did all of my windows (except the one by the computer, since I watch the birds at my feeder through that one). The kits in the store cost a LOT more, and next year, this is free!
Source: Mother Earth News
By schyresti from North Royalton, OH
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By
11/17/2012
I think bubblewrap would insulate the windows well, but a lot of the draft comes at the edge of the window where it meets the frame, so if you could cover over to the trim, it would help a lot more.
By
11/17/2012
I have done this and it really makes a great deal of difference depending on the measurements of your windows. I have a patio door and in the dead of the winter I can't stand in front of it long before I get chilled. After I put up the bubble wrap I could touch the plastic and it felt warm, also I can stand in front of it without feeling chilled at all. If you don't mind covering up your windows it's a great way to conserve heat. Also you could cover the lower portions and leave the upper ones open so you can still see out. Am going to use this again.
A great way to insulate windows in the winter and summer, is to use Bubble-wrap. It not only insulates, but it still lets light in. It won't grow mold, and can be washed. I put it inside my windows. You can hang it up with just a few tacks or push-pins.
By JLS
By pamphyila
By Cathy S
By susanmajp
By foxrun41
I am going to try that on the lower half of my patio door, because it seems like when people walk past they have a real tendency to gawk at the apartments they go past and I don't know how much they can see of my "mess" through the partially open vertical blinds. A lot of the people leave their blinds shut all the time and that would drive me nuts, basically not having any natural light in here at all. I even get irritated on cloudy days. (03/14/2010)
By redhatterb
By captarlo
By dna53
By Lamico
foxrun41 - it may not be great insulation, but the inside surface of the bubble wrap has got to be a little warmer than the inside surface of the glass in winter. Besides, if you have ancient, old-fashioned window panes like ours, you're probably getting drafts around the individual glass panes, and the bubble wrap will surely help with that!
If anyone wants to improve the insulation of bubble wrap, attach it to the window trim or wall, instead of directly to the window itself. The dead air space will be more effective than just the plastic. (03/14/2010)
By lieast
By Jeannie B
By redrose51
Someone had submitted putting bubble wrap on the windows for winter. I live in a mobile home. How do we go about attaching it so it stays up and keeps the drafts out? Thank you.
By Patty
By foxrun41
Hope this helps you! (11/22/2010)
By MzScarlett
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