What Is Window Insulation Film?
Window insulation film is a clear plastic sheet you shrink over your windows to block cold drafts. You apply it to the indoor window frame using double sided tape and a hot hair dryer. It creates a trapped layer of air that helps lower your winter heating bills. The concept of trapping dead air for insulation dates back to early double pane glass in the 1930s. Manufacturers later adapted the idea using thin polymer plastics developed during the mid twentieth century. Today, it remains one of the most popular ways to winterize an older house. When the cold wind blows outside, this thin sheet of plastic keeps the freezing air from moving through your house.
Why It Matters to You
Drafty windows make your furnace work much harder than it should. This constant running drives up your monthly utility bills. If you live in an area with harsh winters, window film is a very cheap way to stay warm. It's especially helpful if you have old single pane glass and cannot afford a full upgrade right now. You can read more about your options in our guide to Windows & Doors. The plastic film stops the cold drafts from entering your living room. It also prevents your warm indoor air from touching the freezing glass and cooling down. This simple barrier makes your entire home feel much more comfortable. It's a great temporary fix that buys you time to save up for new windows.
How Much It Costs
This is one of the cheapest home improvement projects you can tackle before winter hits. You buy the film in kits that include the plastic sheet and a roll of double sided tape. A standard kit covers three to five average sized windows. These standard kits usually cost between 15 to 25 dollars at any local hardware store. If you have a large sliding glass door, you can buy a special patio door kit for about 20 to 35 dollars. Keep in mind that prices and ranges vary based on the brand and the total square footage of your windows. Compared to the high Window Replacement Cost, wrapping your windows in plastic is a massive money saver. You'll easily make your money back on your first heating bill.
How You Install It
Putting up window film is an easy weekend project. You don't need any special tools or a professional contractor to do it. You just need a measuring tape, scissors, and a standard hair dryer.
- First, clean your window frame with rubbing alcohol and let it dry completely. The tape won't stick to dust or grease.
- Next, apply the double sided tape all the way around the outer edge of the window frame.
- Cut the plastic sheet to size, leaving a few extra inches on every side.
- Press the plastic firmly onto the tape so it covers the entire window.
- Finally, turn your hair dryer on high heat and blow it evenly over the plastic. The heat shrinks the film until it pulls tight and looks like a second pane of glass.
What to Watch Out For
While window film is a great temporary fix, there are a few common issues you should know about.
- Tape residue: The double sided tape can leave a sticky mess behind on your window sill when you pull it off in the spring.
- Peeling paint: If your window frame has old or chipping paint, the strong adhesive tape might pull the paint right off the wood.
- Cloudy views: The plastic is clear, but it's never perfectly invisible. It can make your windows look a little blurry or shiny from the outside.
- Trapped moisture: If your window leaks water or builds up heavy frost, condensation can get trapped behind the plastic. This trapped moisture can cause mold or rot on wooden window frames.
