Sofia Martinez
Plastic window insulation kits are a common method used to reduce drafts and energy waste. The kits are easy to install and involve cutting plastic to fit your window, using double-sided tape to adhere it, and then using a hair dryer to shrink-wrap the plastic film. While these kits are marketed as a way to save up to 50% on energy bills, their effectiveness is questionable, with EnergyStar.gov rating them only 2 out of 5 stars for energy and money savings. However, they can still be a cost-effective solution compared to replacing old windows, and they may be more effective when paired with other home upgrades such as air sealing and insulation improvements.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Fixing uncomfortable temperatures, reducing drafts and energy waste, and preventing moisture buildup |
| Installation | Cut plastic to fit the window, use double-sided tape to adhere it, then shrink-wrap with a hair dryer |
| Effectiveness | EnergyStar.gov rates plastic over windows 2/5 stars for saving energy and money, though sealing leaks can cut utility bills by up to 20% |
| Advantages | Easy, effective, and inexpensive; reduces drafts and makes the house feel warmer in winter |
| Disadvantages | May prevent the opening and closing of mini-blinds |
| Alternatives | Bubble wrap, shower curtain liners, painter's plastic or sheets, or silver bubble wrap |
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What You'll Learn
Window insulation kits
One example of a window insulation kit is the Frost King E/O Indoor Window Insulation Kit, which is available from Home Depot in a pack of four. The Duck Brand also offers a range of window insulation kits, including the Duck Max Strength Rolled Shrink Film Window Insulation Kit, which features a puncture-resistant rolled film that is two times thicker than standard window kits. This kit is designed to create an added barrier between the outdoor air and the inside of your home, helping to block drafts and reduce heating costs. It is made with crystal clear shrink film for good visibility and is easy to install and remove.
When installing a window insulation kit, it is important to note that it may prevent you from opening and closing your mini-blinds. To address this issue, you can remove the rotating wand from the blinds before applying the shrink film and follow the steps outlined on the ENERGY STAR website to ensure the continued operation of your mini-blinds.
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Energy savings
Plastic window insulation is a common method used to reduce drafts and energy waste. The idea behind window insulation kits is to create an airtight seal between the window and the interior of your home. The plastic film traps air between the window and the film, theoretically reducing the transfer of hot or cold air from outside to inside your home.
However, the effectiveness of these kits in conserving energy is questionable. While they may help reduce drafts and make your home feel warmer during the winter, the impact on energy bills is often minimal. EnergyStar.gov rates plastic over windows as only 2 out of 5 stars for energy and money savings. In contrast, they give attic air sealing a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.
Whole-house air sealing is a more effective approach to reducing energy use, which can be further enhanced by pairing it with insulation upgrades and HVAC improvements. While window insulation film is inexpensive and easy to install, it may not provide significant energy savings.
To maximize energy savings and address underlying issues, it is recommended to air seal your entire home, upgrade insulation in areas like the attic, and consider HVAC upgrades. These comprehensive measures will likely have a more noticeable impact on energy efficiency and comfort.
It is important to note that window film covers can help eliminate air leaks around the window if they extend over the woodwork. This extra layer of plastic creates an additional layer of insulating air, reducing heat loss through the window. However, even with proper installation, the effect on energy conservation may still be minimal.
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Locating air leaks
Visual Inspection
Start by looking for obvious cracks, gaps, or worn-out weather stripping around windows, doors, and electrical outlets. Don't forget to check basement walls, attic hatches, and exterior doors, as air leakage is common in these areas.
Hand Test
Run a wet hand around the edges of windows and doors. Cooler air will be easier to detect against the skin, helping you to pinpoint air leaks.
Incense Stick Test
Turn on all exhaust fans that blow air outside, such as your clothes dryer, bathroom fans, or stove vents. Light an incense stick and carefully pass it around the edges of windows and doors. Wherever the smoke wavers or is sucked out of or blown into the room, there's a draft.
Light Test
Perform a light test during the day by turning off all the lights inside your home and looking around the window frames for light showing through. If light is coming through the window frames, you can be sure cold air is leaking through the windows as well.
Candle Test
Light a candle and trace the edges of the window frames. Air coming through the window frame will pull the smoke from the lit candle in the area of the window seal leak. You can also use a leaf blower or hair dryer to blow air on the windows from the outside while observing the candle flame from the inside. The candle will flicker when the forced outside air comes through the window frame.
Blower Door Test
For a thorough and accurate measurement of air leakage in your home, hire a qualified technician to conduct a blower door test. This professional test uses a powerful fan to depressurize your house, making it easier to locate major air leaks.
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Installation process
Plastic window insulation is an easy, effective, and inexpensive option to reduce drafts and energy waste. It can also help to reduce moisture buildup on the window due to condensation. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to install plastic to seal your windows:
- Prepare the windows: Clean the window and frame to remove any dust or debris. If you have mini-blinds, remove the rotating wand before you begin. If your window has a metal frame, use a plastic brush to scrub off any loose paint or rust. Allow the window and frame to dry completely.
- Measure the window: Measure the width and height of the window, adding an extra 2 inches to each dimension to allow for film shrinkage.
- Cut the plastic film: Cut the plastic film to size, according to your measurements. If you have individual window-sized sheets, this step is already done for you. If you have very tall windows, you may need to leave narrow margins or extend the film to reach the full length.
- Apply tape to the window frame: Use double-sided tape and apply it to the outside edge of the window frame. If your window has moulding, apply the tape just inside the ridge to keep it protected.
- Attach the plastic film: Starting at the top of the window, press the film firmly onto the tape. Work your way down the window, unrolling the film and peeling off the tape backing as you go. Keep the sides slightly taut and even.
- Secure the corners: When attaching the film, be especially careful with the corners. Overlap the tape at the corners to reinforce them.
- Attach the bottom of the film: Do not pull the film tight at the bottom. Instead, push it in slightly to ensure it sticks to the full width of the tape across the sill.
- Shrink the film: Use a hair dryer to shrink the film and remove any wrinkles.
- Cut off any excess film: Use scissors to trim away any excess film, ensuring a tight fit between the window and the film.
- Reinstall mini-blinds (if applicable): If you removed mini-blinds, now you can reinstall them. Apply four strips of cellophane tape to the window film surrounding the wand hook. Overlap each strip at the corners to reinforce them. Cut out the centre of the square with a utility blade, then install the wand and pull out the lift cords.
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Alternative methods
Plastic is a popular method for sealing windows because it is budget-friendly, effective, and easy to install. However, it can be tedious and time-consuming to install, prone to damage, aesthetically unappealing, and frustrating to replace.
- Low-E glass coatings: "Low-E" stands for low-emissivity or low-emittance. Low-E windows have a microscopically thin coating that is transparent and reflects heat. This treatment is invisible, giving it an advantage over plastic coverings.
- Window film: Window film is a low-cost method to increase the energy efficiency of your home. It can be purchased as heat-shrink window coverings that are easy to install. Window film also allows for the freedom of window movement, which plastic coverings do not.
- Cellular shades: Shades can be installed to offer enhanced energy efficiency. They also allow for the freedom of window movement, unlike plastic coverings.
- Triple-pane window replacements: This option can be costly and time-consuming to construct, but it offers an enhanced energy-efficient solution.
- Caulking: Caulking your windows ensures there are no drafts, increasing the energy efficiency of your home.
- Air sealing your whole house: Sealing your entire house, not just the windows, can help to permanently fix drafts, uneven temperatures, and energy waste problems.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic window insulation kits are readily available and easy to install. Cut the plastic to fit your window, apply double-sided tape to adhere it, and then shrink-wrap the plastic film using a hairdryer.
Plastic window film is an inexpensive way to reduce drafts and make your home warmer in winter. It can also help to reduce condensation and save on energy costs.
Bubble wrap can be used on windows, with a plastic sheet placed over the top to create an extra barrier. Blankets can also be hung over windows to add insulation.
R-value is a measure of thermal resistance. The higher the R-value, the better a material is at stopping hot or cold air from passing through.
While window insulation kits can help to reduce drafts and energy waste, they may not have a significant impact on your energy bills. According to EnergyStar.gov, window insulation kits are rated only 2 out of 5 stars for saving energy and money.
