An insulating window film applied over a window can help the window retain up to 55 percent more heat in winter, potentially reducing your heating costs up to 30 percent. These films are less effective at reducing summer heat gain, though.
Despite the controversy following any DIY homeowner solution, both window companies and repair gurus consider insulation film to be effective. It really works, and it can increase a window's insulation for many months. Additionally, insulation film lets in sunlight—which can further warm a window.
Window film covers are inexpensive, reduce drafts, help the house feel warmer during winter months, and reduce moisture buildup on the window due to condensation.
Installing plastic window film on the inside of your windows is a great option if you're hoping to insulate year-round. Applying the film indoors may also prove to be a bit easier because you don't have to worry about navigating around outdoor shrubbery or climbing up a ladder to get the job done.
Window insulation film can mean as much as a 30% to 40% decrease in your utility bills. Window films are an easy way to make your windows more energy efficient.
Traps Heat
Insulated glass windows trap heat inside, and its double-pane doesn't let the heat escape. Although this is beneficial for the cold season, it has the opposite effect in summer. Sometimes it also results in overheating that can increase the air conditioning cost.
Insulating / Sun Control Window Films
However, it is not uncommon for a metallized interior-applied film to last 25 years or more. An exterior-applied metallized film has a life expectancy of up to three years while a non-metallized film has a life expectancy of up to 10.
The plastic film containing multiple air pockets is another one of the best ways to insulate windows for summer. You can use any kind of bubble wrap with medium to large bubbles. Clean your window panes and cut sheets to fit.
If some of your windows are of the same size, you can use the first piece you cut as a guide. Bubble wrap is sturdier than the standard thin plastic sheet that often comes in the window kits.
Use window insulator kits to increase insulation
Many people swear by seasonal window insulator kits. They can actually do a good job of keeping out drafts and, for the price, they can't be beat. Not to mention, it's a super quick and easy fix to help winter proof your windows.
Not every home benefits from plastic window wrap. For instance, if you have brand-new windows and doors with minimal gaps, plastic wrap may not make a noticeable difference. However, if your windows have serious air leaks, plastic window wrap can help.
This can be achieved by the addition of thick curtains and a pelmet. A poorly fitted curtain allows heat loss to occur, while a well fitted curtain combined with a pelmet significantly reduces heat loss, so remember to: use closely woven, close fitting internal window coverings such as curtains or blinds.
The Best Window Insulation
That material is spray foam insulation. If you want to learn more about the benefits of foam insulation for the rest of your home, check out the Learning Center on our website.
Insulated cellular shades are typically considered to have the highest R-values of all window coverings. The air pockets in the honeycomb cross-sections act as insulators, increasing the R-value and reducing the conduction of heat through the window.
Yes. Emergency management agencies specifically recommend using “aluminum foil-covered cardboard” between windows and drapes to reflect heat back outside.
Double-pane windows, also known as dual-pane windows or double-glazed windows, have two panes of glass, many with insulating argon gas between the panes. The additional layer of glass with an insulating gap in between acts as a sound barrier and improves energy efficiency.
Aluminum foil can be an effective insulating material because it doesn't radiate heat out into the environment. That's what makes it effective directly under a roof: although it will warm up through conduction from the shingles, it won't radiate that heat out into the attic space.
Bubble wraps serve as a good insulator because of its design which has small air pockets. Because the base material for bubble wraps are plastic, it heats up quickly, and so bubble wraps serve as good insulators.
What Makes Styrofoam a Good Insulator? The main reason why is styrofoam a good insulator and has become such a popular material for insulation is because of its ability to resist extremes in temperature.
Did you know that according to energy.gov, heat gain and heat loss through windows are responsible for 25% to 30% of residential heating and cooling energy use? And the International Window Film Association states that window film can cut utility costs by 30%.
Moisture Issues on Your Windows
One serious problem with installing window insulation film is condensation. Because the plastic film has to be airtight – you need to make sure there are no gaps where air can get out or you'll experience zero insulation benefits – there is no place for moisture to go.
M-D Shrink and Seal Window Insulation® claims to increase window R-Value by up to 90%. The results show a 15% increase in R-value. Energy Film® claims that it will reduce heat loss through windows up to 35%.