Energy Loss Through Plastic-Wrapped Windows: How Much?

Plastic wrap windows are an inexpensive way to insulate your home. While the amount of energy lost through windows varies depending on the current condition of the house, it is estimated that up to one-third of heat loss in the average home occurs through windows and doors. This can be reduced by sealing leaks around the windows with plastic wrap, which can also help to reduce drafts and moisture buildup.

Plastic window insulation can save energy

According to Energy Star, the government program launched by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), window insulation kits do save energy. Depending on where you live, sealing up leaks throughout the house can cut your utility bills by up to 20%. To feel the full effects of window insulation kits, you have to make sure to shrink-wrap the plastic coverings.

In a new two-storey home with double-pane windows and 6" stud walls (typical in northern regions), around 42% of heat loss would occur through the windows. The Energy Information Administration (EIA) estimates that as much as one-third of the average home's heat loss occurs through windows and doors. There is some insulation value in the materials of the walls and the air gap, but it's quite low, and there can be a significant loss of energy through the walls just by conduction.

Heat loss through windows can be up to 42%

Leaks around windows can lead to uncomfortable drafts and energy losses. Window film covers, or plastic wrap, are inexpensive and can help to reduce drafts, making the house feel warmer during the winter months. They can also reduce moisture buildup on the windows due to condensation and eliminate air leaks around the window if they extend over the woodwork. This extra layer of plastic adds another layer of insulating air to reduce heat loss through the windows.

According to Energy Star, a government program launched by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), sealing up leaks throughout the house with plastic window insulation can cut utility bills by up to 20%. The Energy Information Administration (EIA) estimates that as much as one-third of the average home's heat loss occurs through windows and doors.

Energy loss through walls

One of the primary ways energy is lost through walls is through conduction. This occurs when heat is transferred through the solid material of the wall itself. The rate of conduction depends on the thermal conductivity of the wall material, with some materials, such as metal, conducting heat more readily than others, such as wood or brick.

In addition to conduction, energy can also be lost through walls via convection and radiation. Convection occurs when warm air rises and escapes through gaps or cracks in the wall, while radiation is the transfer of heat through electromagnetic waves, which can pass through even the smallest openings.

To reduce energy loss through walls, it is essential to ensure that they are properly insulated. This can be done through various methods, such as adding extra layers of insulation to the interior or exterior of the wall, using insulating materials such as foam or fibreglass, or even employing more natural solutions like straw bales or sheep's wool.

Another way to reduce energy loss is to seal any gaps or cracks in the walls, which can be done using caulk or expanding foam. This helps to prevent the escape of warm air through convection and also reduces the amount of outside air entering the building, which can help to maintain a more stable indoor temperature.

By taking steps to improve the insulation and airtightness of walls, significant energy savings can be achieved, helping to reduce energy costs and carbon emissions.

Window film covers are inexpensive and reduce drafts

Window film covers are an inexpensive way to reduce drafts and heat loss in your home. They are a great option for old, draughty windows, adding an extra layer of insulation to reduce heat loss through the window.

According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), as much as one-third of the average home's heat loss occurs through windows and doors. This can be a significant loss of energy, especially in older homes with single-pane windows.

Window film covers can help to seal up leaks and reduce drafts, making your home feel warmer during the winter months. They can also help to reduce moisture buildup on the windows due to condensation. By extending the film over the woodwork, you can eliminate air leaks around the window, adding another layer of insulating air.

The 3M window insulation kit, for example, insulates up to five windows and claims to lower heating costs and save energy. Energy Star, a government program launched by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), agrees that sealing up leaks throughout the house can cut your utility bills by up to 20%.

Overall, window film covers are a cost-effective and accessible way to reduce drafts and improve the energy efficiency of your home.

Sealing leaks can cut utility bills by up to 20%

Leaks around windows can lead to uncomfortable drafts and energy losses. While these projects may have less impact on energy use than those in the attic and basement, they tend to be more accessible areas and are perfect for a do-it-yourself project. 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. They can also eliminate air leaks around the window if they extend over the woodwork, and this extra layer of plastic adds another layer of insulating air to reduce heat loss through the window.

The Energy Information Administration (EIA) estimates that as much as one third of the average home's heat loss occurs through windows and doors. A new two-storey home with double-pane windows and 6" stud walls (typical in northern regions) would have about 42% of its heat loss through the windows.

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