Does bubble wrap on windows actually work?

Author: Francesco Greenfelder  |  Last update: Sunday, February 22, 2026

According to the HowToGoSolar, a free online resource geared toward educating homeowners on the benefits of solar power and energy efficiency, bubble wrapped windows show insulating improvements that are 50% better on single-glazed windows, cutting utility bills almost in half.

How effective is bubble wrap on windows?

Bubble wrap is often used to insulate greenhouse windows in the winter, but it also seems to work fine for windows in the house. You can use it with or without regular or insulating window shades. It also works for windows of irregular shape, which can be difficult to find insulating shades for.

How effective is plastic wrap on windows?

Plastic window film covers can reduce drafts and make your home feel warmer during the winter. They are also a relatively inexpensive way to reduce condensation buildup and lower energy bills. Window wraps can also seal air leaks around the window, when those leaks extend over woodwork.

Is it safe to use bubble wrap on PC?

Do not put bubble wrap inside the computer, bubble wrap can hold a charge which can then damage electronics inside it. When shipping a computer it will get tossed around, dropped, kicked, punched, shot, stabbed, sat on, and run over. Don't pack it yourself. Find some place local that will pack it for you.

How effective is bubble wrap as insulation?

Because bubble wrap is typically lined with a metallic reflective layer, it is quite good at conducting heat and therefore cooling down a space such as your attic. The reflective aluminum bubble wrap insulation can massively reduce temperatures given the presence of an air barrier and proper installation.

Cut Your Heating Bills with This Simple Trick

What is the one downside to bubble wrap?

Bubble Wrap Disadvantages

The biggest problem with the most common bubble wrap is it's not easily recyclable. You must take a few extra steps to make sure you dispose of it properly. Additionally, bubble wrap is bulky.

Does bubble wrap on windows keep the cold out?

Inexpensive or free courtesy of your online shopping habit, bubble wrap houses tiny little plastic pockets of air, providing a tiny buffer zone of insulation that keeps heat from escaping through windows when applied from the inside, improving the energy efficiency of your home with little time or monetary investment ...

Does bubble wrap protect glass?

Wrapping paper is enough to protect your glasses, but you may want to provide an extra cushion. You can use bubble wrap as a second layer of protection for your glassware. Follow the same process to cover the item with bubble wrap and secure it with tape.

Does bubble wrap soundproof windows?

Generally speaking, bubble wrap does not make a good soundproofing material. The reason for this, is because it does not have enough mass. The tiny air bubbles will provide a small amount of sound reduction, but not much.

Does putting plastic on windows really help in winter?

Savings in Energy and Money

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.

How to cheaply insulate windows?

The Best Low-Cost Ways to Insulate Windows for Winter
  1. Re-Caulk or Re-Seal to Insulate Windows for Winter.
  2. Air Seal Windows With Foam Tape for Better Insulation.
  3. Install Low-E Storm Windows Over the Existing Frames for Better Insulation.
  4. Insulate Windows by Installing Plastic Film Around the Glass.

Is it worth it to wrap windows?

Think of window wraps like extra armor around one of your home's weakest points: windows. This added layer of material helps deter air and water leaks. An investment in window wraps goes a long way in the longevity and maintenance of your house's exterior (and can save you some massive repair bills along the way!).

Which side of bubble wrap goes against the window?

Apply the bubble wrap while the window is still wet and press it into place. The bubble side goes toward the glass. To remove the bubble wrap, just pull it off starting from a corner.

Does putting Saran Wrap on windows help?

What's the point of using plastic wrap? Plastic wrap is a great solution to save money when you have drafty windows. Plastic does an excellent job of keeping the heat from escaping if it stays intact.

Is bubble wrap better than insulator?

It can provide a layer of insulation between objects or surfaces, reducing heat transfer. However, it's important to note that bubble wrap is not a highly efficient insulator compared to other materials specifically designed for insulation purposes.

Does bubble wrap window insulation work?

To summarize, bubble wrap cuts the amount of heat that escapes through your windows by half. If less heat escapes, you need less heat from your furnace. Ergo, bubble wrap saves you money on your heating bill.

Does vinyl wrap work on glass?

Vinyl wraps will easily stick to glass, metal, plastic, and varnished wood as long as the surface is smooth and clean.

How protective is bubble wrap?

Perfect for packing fragile and breakable items, bubble wraps are made to intensively protect these valuable items. One face of the bubble wrap sheet is flat, while the other face is a layer of round air-filled bubbles. The bubbles are responsible for creating a cushioning that seizes the item from breaking.

Can glass break in bubble wrap?

Bubble wrap or air pillows are a plastic wrap with air pockets and provides suitable protection for glass items.

How effective is window film as insulation?

Studies have shown that high-quality thermal insulation films can reduce heat gain through windows by up to 70%. However, the actual energy savings depend on various factors, including the film's quality, the type of glass, local climate conditions, and the size of the windows.

What are the disadvantages of bubble wrap insulation?

Foil-faced bubble wrap is commonly used for ducts, since it's fairly easy to wrap around them. However, to take advantage of the radiant barrier, you have to create about 2″ of air-space between the foil and the duct, which is extremely difficult to do, especially on a curved surface.

Does plastic wrapping windows help in summer?

While window insulation kits are often advertised as a way to reduce heating costs, putting plastic up won't help in the summer either. In fact, it's likely you'll get better results by installing thermal curtains, as they can provide a higher level of window insulation than shrink-wrapping your windows can.

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