Proper, effective window insulation allows you to prevent heat loss during the colder months and ensure an even temperature throughout the house, increasing its energy efficiency. For instance, replacing your existing windows with heat-efficient frames can help you cut your monthly energy bill by up to 12%.
The great news is that you don’t need to invest in new windows to make the interior more comfortable – insulating windows can be a simple and inexpensive project as long as you have the right materials at hand. Join us as we explore some of the best ways to insulate windows effectively to keep your house warm.
Table of Contents
Apply Window Film
Window insulation film is a thin sheet of material applied to a window’s glass surface. It works by reflecting heat back into the room, thus preventing heat loss. You can find window film in most hardware stores, and it comes in a variety of different styles, including frosted, tinted, and mirrored.
Window film is a relatively inexpensive way to insulate windows, and it can be easily installed by DIYers. Clean the window surface, cut the window film to size, and apply it using double-sided tape or spray adhesive.
However, it is important to note that window film will not completely eliminate heat loss through windows.
Use Bubble Wrap to Insulate Windows
Another way to insulate your windows is to use bubble wrap. This material is often used for packaging but can also be a great way to insulate windows. Bubble wrap works similarly to window insulation film – by creating a barrier between the outside air and the interior of your home.
The benefit of using bubble wrap is that it’s much cheaper than window film, and it can be easily applied using double-sided tape or spray adhesive (remember to make sure that there are no gaps or air pockets!). Once the bubble wrap is in place, it will create an extra layer of insulation that will help to keep the heat in.
Get Thermal Curtains
Installing thermal curtains is one of the most effective ways to reduce draughts and, therefore, heat loss through windows. They are usually made from thick, heavy fabrics such as velvet or wool. They are often lined with a thermal material such as polyester that helps keep cold air out and prevent warm air from escaping simultaneously.
Thermal curtains can be expensive, but they are very effective at insulating windows and keeping the heat in. Moreover, they can also positively affect soundproofing, which can be a bonus if you live in a highly trafficked area.
Alternatively, you can try layering regular curtains with a sheet or blanket if you’re not looking to spend too much money on thermal curtains. You can drape the sheet or blanket over the curtain rod and let it hang down over the curtains to create an extra layer of insulation.
Apply Caulking
Caulking is a sealant typically used to fill gaps and cracks around windows. It prevents air and moisture from passing through these gaps, which can help to reduce air leakage and heat loss. Caulking is available in both liquid and tube form, and you can use a caulk gun to apply the material. Here are a few easy steps:
- Cut the tip of the tube at a 45-degree angle and insert it into the caulking gun.
- Point the gun at the gap or crack you want to fill and squeeze the trigger. The caulk will come out in a continuous bead, so just keep moving the gun along the surface until the gap is filled.
- Once the caulk is dry, it will create an invisible barrier that will help to insulate the window.
Install Secondary Glazing
A removable magnetic window insulation kit usually consists of a sheet of clear plastic attached to the window frame using magnets. The plastic sheet creates an airtight seal around the window, preventing heat from escaping.
Such secondary glazing is very easy to install and remove, and it can be used on both windows and doors. All you need to do is clean the surface, then peel off the backing on the sheet of plastic, and attach magnetic tape to the frame. The magnets will hold the sheet in place, and the airtight seal will prevent heat loss.
Use Weather Sealing Strips
Weatherstripping is a thin strip of material – a type of sealant – installed around a window’s perimeter. It works by creating a seal between the window and the frame, which prevents air leakage.
Weather sealing strips are available in various materials, including foam, rubber, and vinyl, so choosing one that is appropriate for the type of window you have is essential. For example, rubber weather stripping would be a good choice for an aluminium frame.
Here is how to install weather stripping:
- Clean the surface around the window and remove any old sealant.
- Cut the weather stripping to size using a utility knife and peel off the backing on the strip.
- Apply the strip to the surface, ensuring it fits snugly against the window.
- Use a caulk gun or double-sided sticky tape to apply adhesive to the back of the weather stripping.
Add Window Insulation Panels
Window insulation panels are thin sheets of material – usually foam or fibreglass – that are installed on the window frame. They create an extra insulation layer, which prevents heat loss by reflecting heat back into the room.
Window insulation panels are available in a variety of different sizes and thicknesses, so it’s important to choose one that is appropriate for your window.
Window insulation panels are relatively easy to install, and the process is pretty similar to that of other window additions on this list. You can cut a window panel to size using a utility knife and then apply the panel using double-sided tape or spray adhesive to the clean surface.
Consider Double or Triple Glazing
Double or triple glazing is a type of window that has two or three panes of glass. The panes are separated by a spacer, and the space between them is filled with argon gas. This gas increases the insulating performance of a window, making double- and triple-glazed windows more energy-efficient than single-glazed windows.
Double- and triple-glazed windows are more expensive than single-glazed windows, but they are worth the investment if you live in a cold climate. For instance, triple-glazed windows can be up to 50% more energy efficient than a regular window and even up to 20% more efficient than a double-pane one.
Takeaway
As you can see, there are many more than one practical solution when it comes to adding an insulating barrier to your windows for winter, whether you’re dealing with regular or roof windows.
Depending on your budget and the overall condition of your windows, you can either go for something as simple as caulk or weather stripping or invest in thermal curtains, cellular shades or even a permanent solution like double glazing.
Keep in mind that while most of these insulation tasks are DIY-friendly, you might need professional help with adding double glazing to an existing window or working on a roof. Good luck!
