Thermal curtains work best if they are floor length and wide enough to sufficiently cover the window. For further insulation, Velcro tape can be added to the curtains and wall for a full seal. These curtains can be used year after year and opened during the warmer days.
Insulating windows without plastic is usually the better method. Outside of simply replacing your windows, you could buy cellular shades, which trap air between the window and the home, add a window film that blocks UV rays and traps heat, or cover your windows with a low-emissivity coating called “low-E.”
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.
Caulk Around Windows and Doors
Caulk is an inexpensive way to seal windows for winter, and a few tubes go a long way. There is some skill involved with caulking and it might take a little while for you to develop the technique. Get the best look and results by using the right caulk.
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.
For many years, curtains and blinds have been the go-to solution for window privacy. They're fairly affordable, quick to install and come in a huge range of styles and colours.
Bubble wrap is an inexpensive and easy way to insulate and reduce the amount of heat that escapes out your windows.
Insulated Cellular Shades
Insulated shades contain one or more air layers in a honeycomb cross-section. Some can be adjusted from the top, from the bottom, or both. Insulated cellular shades are typically considered to have the highest R-values of all window coverings.
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.
Does window film go on the interior or the exterior of windows? These are totally legitimate questions, and the answer is both! Window film can be installed on the interior and exterior of windows.
You can count on vinyl being the cheapest windows out there. A double-pane window that is double hung with limited coating is going to be your choice. This window is lasting and should meet your needs.
The top sash (glass panel) of a single-hung window doesn't open (it is “fixed”), so you can only open the window by lifting the bottom sash up. A double-hung window also opens from the bottom, and in addition allows you to slide the top sash down, so you can open top, bottom, or both.
Single-hung aluminum or vinyl windows are typically the least expensive type of replacement window. Double-hung windows are also budget-friendly. Our survey data shows that the brand Window World has the least expensive replacement windows that are still Energy Star certified and well rated.
Window Insulation Kits
A highly effective though temporary way to prevent window drafts is to apply a clear plastic film over the entire interior of your window. You apply it with two-sided tape, then use a warm hair dryer to shrink the film for a tight, draft-proof fit.
The insulating properties of bubble wrap help maintain stable indoor temperatures, reducing the reliance on heating and cooling systems. This translates to substantial energy savings and lower utility bills over time. Bubble wrap insulation offers a remarkable level of versatility and ease of installation.
Using plastic on windows as insulation doesn't provide consistent protection against outdoor cold and heat. Building science supports this. Moreover, window kit manufacturers' claims of energy savings might be more dramatic than what homeowners actually experience.
Caulk the inside and outside of Windows
Windows require a seal on both sides to avoid air leaks and moisture problems.