Bubble wrap is plastic film with air filled pockets. Clean the framing of your window with a damp cloth or rubbing alcohol. Youll want to add the bubble wrap to your window before using the window insulation kit. Reduce your energy costs by insulating your windows. When youre dealing with old, drafty windows, you essentially have two options. Sealing out any drafts that may be allowing excess cold air to enter your home is key.
Shrink film on windows helps increase their rvalues up to 90%. We show you a neat trick that lets you operate them even when theyre covered with window film. Crystal clear film heat shrinks to seal out drafts and cold. During the cold weather months, windows become a prime spot for energy loss. The use of plastic heatshrink window coverings is an easy, effective, and inexpensive window option. Get an insulation kit go to your local hardware store. Another possibility is to use a window insulator kit. This page details how to install shrinktofit plastic wrap over existing windows. Many homeowners cover their old windows with plastic to prevent drafts, but.
It doesnt have to be perfect but try to keep things taut. Tips to applying window shrink wraps for the winter. How to weatherize windows with plastic film insulation. These are the same heatshrink plastic kits people use to insulate their windows at home during the winter. The frost king indoor window insulation kit 4pack the frost king indoor window insulation kit 4pack provides shrink film and tape to insulate 4 standard sized windows. Window shrink wrap kits, often called window insulation kits, are available at home improvement stores and usually come with sheets of plastic film and superstrength doubledsided. How to insulate windows to keep out the cold todays. Shop window shrink film kits at and get free store pickup at your neighborhood ace. Buy duck indoor window insulation kit, insulates five 3 x 5 windows, 62 x 210 film at. Plastic has almost no rvalue since plastic and glass have no real rvalue, the dead air space. Shrink wrap will help drafts but is not a good insulator.
Is there a significant benefit to using plastic window insulation year round. Although some people cover their windows with reflectix, i have to have light in winter, so last year we covered our windows with a combination of bubble wrap and shrink plastic, and this year i made storm. A solution that is better than window plastic window nation. Do it before the temperature drops though and be ahead of the game let me show. The shrink film fits to the frame whereas the bubble wrap is applied directly to the glass. Is there a significant benefit to using plastic window. Plastic window coverings block the flow of air in and out of old windows. A simple solution to preventing drafts from entering your home is insulating your windows.
How to operate window blinds covered with shrink film. Open the window insulation kit and take out the double sided tape. Energy efficiency is an important feature of windows. On a very cold day you will stop your inside heat from reaching. Locate the draft by using a lighter and a hair dryer. Plastic sheeting is unlikely to deform under its own weight, so its a good fit for big windows. Shrink wrapping your windows to better insulatehow well. Plastic film also adds a layer of insulation, saving energy. Do it slowly from top border, then sides, then bottom border. You can buy a plastic window film most home improvement shops carry a shrink film window insulation kit or you can simply use the plastic shrink wrap you probably already have in your kitchen. Shrink to fit winter windows are really great draft stoppers and energy savers for old windows and patio doors. Plastic does a good job of keeping the heat from escaping, as long as it stays intact.
Learning how to weatherize windows with plastic film insulation might just be your next weekend project. How to install shrink film on windows with blinds hunker. Watch this video to find out how to install plastic insulation kits on windows to save energy on heating and cooling. Make your windows more efficient and save energy and money. Applying winter window film over mini blinds prevents you from opening and closing them. You can purchase these kits at your local hardware stores, and there are plenty of howto videos online to show you where to begin. At the more basic end of the spectrum is heat shrink film. Ive done the bubble wrap trick and its way less a pain in the next than the shrink wrap plastic, but i dont know if it does quite as much. Duck brand indoor 5window shrink film insulator kit, 62.
Winterizing sealing up old windows with plastic shrink film. Shrink window kit includes crystal clear shrink film and. Youve likely seen plastic in the windows of homes as you drive up and down the streets of your town during the winter. Rv window insulation tips for summer and winter rvblogger. They play a large role in keeping your home comfortable and lowering the cost of your energy bills. The shrink film stops you opening the window for the duration of the winter but is good at keeping out draughts from. Run a hair dryer along the edges and the entire surface of the plastic sheet to shrink it. Available in a variety of indoor and outdoor window sizes. Applying plastic over windows project about energy star. Indoor duck brand shrink film window kits create an added barrier between the outdoor air and the inside of your home, helping block drafts and air leaks that lead to high heating costs. Use the hot air from a hair dryer to shrink the plastic and remove all the wrinkles. When winter is over, take down the plastic and pull the tape off the trim. How to remove plastic window coverings home guides sf gate. Does saran wrap work on windows for keeping more heat in.
On a recommendation by a neighbor, we decided to install some simple plastic shrinkwrap insulation. There is a solution to allow you the comfort and energysaving benefits of shrink plastic wrap without removing your blinds. Duck brand indoor 5window shrink film insulator kit, 62inch x 210inch, 286217. This film looks like a thicker version of plastic wrap and is typically. Continue to run the dryer over the plastic until it is tight. Improving the energy efficiency of existing windows. Cut away the excess film from around the window with a utility knife. Plastic wrap is a great solution to save money when you have drafty windows. Apply one side of the doublesided tape to your window frame indoors. This kit by 3m a leader in consumer productsinsulates up to five windows, and the company claims it lowers heating costs and saves energy.
One popular diy solution is shrink wrapping your windows with plastic. If youve got drafty windows, you can place shrinkwrap film over the window opening to reduce the energy loss. Once heated it is clear to see out during the day, at night it is hazy and. The tape removes easily without damaging the finish. Shrink wrapping your windows to better insulatehow well does it work. Winterizing sealing up old windows with plastic shrink. Does putting plastic over your windows really save energy. To avoid danger of suffocation, handle with care and keep away from babies and children. The plastic film comes in windowsized pieces in the kits. Duck brand shrink film window insulation kit indoor.