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.
The idea here is to apply Saran Wrap over the entire window, including the frame. By overlapping the strips, you create a continuous surface of the plastic. In theory, this plastic prevents icy breezes and moisture from getting into your home. It also won't damage your windows.
The best insulation for stopping drafts around windows will be a material that keeps air from leaking around the frame. The most commonly used insulation materials are fiberglass and window spray foam insulation.
Poor insulation can also cause temperatures to drop inside your home. One of the most obvious signs that you have poor insulation is cold drafts coming from vents, light switches, outlets, and exterior walls. If it's properly insulated, you shouldn't be able to feel any air coming from these areas.
The benefits are significant. Honeycomb shades can block heat about as well as a 1/8 inch sheet of insulated foam. Their R-value (or, their ability to insulate against heat flow) ranges between 2 and 5. In comparison, a typical double pane window has an R-value of 1.8.
Use High-Expansion Spray Foam Around Windows and Doors
But the high-expansion stuff can actually push the jamb inward, making them impossible to open. Avoid this by using minimal expanding foam. It's formulated to fill the space around windows and doors without excess expansion.
Flexible and easy to apply, GREAT STUFF™ Window & Door Insulating Foam Sealant quickly and cleanly forms airtight, water-resistant seals between framework and rough openings that withstand the elements.
A cellular shade has a more complex construction. Also called “honeycomb shades,” cellular shades have geometric folds that resemble honeycombs. Cellular window shades are available with both a single layer of these honeycombs and a double layer, called “single cell” and “double cell,” respectively.
Plastic for windows is a thin, transparent folium through which you can see. It resembles the plastic foil for food covering. However, it is of better quality, thicker, and much more durable. You can purchase it in every hardware store all over the US or order it from the Net.
Using Plastic Window Film
The film, which looks similar to cling film, is applied on the inside of the window. Putting the film on the outside would only expose it to weathering elements, so by putting it inside, it's better protected.
Aluminum has an emissivity of around 0.04. That means it radiates very little heat away from its surface, which is one reason why radiators aren't made from aluminum! Aluminum foil can be an effective insulating material because it doesn't radiate heat out into the environment.
As regards to its insulation properties, cardboard is actually a great insulator as it has poor thermal conductivity. The definition of conductivity is actually the property of a material to transmit energy.
Adding insulation to your home is an easy way to save on energy costs. Aluminum foil, also called tin foil, makes an excellent insulator, and in some situations, it works better than materials like cotton or paper.