How to Insulate Your Windows This Fall and Winter! - Thrift Diving

With fall and winter around the corner, it's time to insulate your windows! Here's how to easily do it with a plastic insulation kit and a blow dryer. Stop throwing money out the window on electricity bills!
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[@ThriftDiving]

Get the window insulation kit on Amazon: amzn.to/3LB4j2p

[@Nicole-js7rb]

Great idea! Did it years ago with a rental house. Will do it again as a temporary solution to drafty replacement windows. Thank you for posting!

[@pinsolomons]

Tip...if you can't find the window kit or they are too expensive for you, buy a roll of the double sided tape for the window insulation separately and go to a $ Tree and get a drop cloth for $1.25. If it's a window you want to be able to see through clearly, buy a shower curtain instead from same store but this is for regular sized windows. You need a kit for sliding doors unless you can do without the view, then the drop cloth works great.

[@mysticallavish1360]

Thank you I'll do this in my apartment. I'm a bit late but I'll try it.

[@deboz8793]

My parents did this years ago, but had stopped doing it for years. With rising rates, I’m definitely going to do this before winter. Thanks for sharing.

[@bethwilliams1139]

I live in NY and do this every year. I live in a doublewide mobile home. I go one step further by removing the screens and using double sided tape on both sides and then wrapping plastic around the screen...blowdry and waa la! An added barrier against cold and wind entering my home😉

[@kadiatoukamara7805]

Do you remove it in the summer for an AC? And put a new one for fall and winter?

[@nealiumj]

Pro tip: keep any extra tape. After 3-4 days go around to see if any pop’d, specifically the corners.. There’s always a couple.

[@OrganizeCreateDecorate]

*Important tip: keep the blow dryer moving.* I got distracted and put a small hole in it on one of our windows. Luckily clear packing tape fixed it. You could see it, but not enough that I felt the need to do the whole window over. Otherwise, this stuff is awesome!

[@MamaCancer23]

I’m definitely trying that this winter because my apartment always feels so cold 🥶 I cannot deal with that this winter.

[@dianealbrecht718]

My tips, do each individual window separately, applying the tape directly to the window frame. Also cut a small piece of tape to stick to the end of the tape your going to use, sticky sides together . This will allow you to easily remove the paper backing ! The BEST tape is hands down 3m.

[@ThePecanTan]

Agreed, I too installed directly to the window frame.

[@tiadrumgold4702]

Yes i did do Especially on those cold winters in NY.

[@ThriftDiving]

Good to know! I'd be curious how much we could save on heat loss just by not having to re-heat rooms that are leaking through the windows!

[@prissilou]

This is great advice. I used this kit a few years back, and it performed just as she described. They have kits for single windows and double windows, so get the kit you need. As she described, once you heat the plastic up with the hair dryer, it shrinks right up and becomes taught. We used it in an older apartment where our daughter was renting and the windows were drafty. It made a huge difference. Whatever the kit costs (not much, just a few dollars) you will save that cost times over in your power bill.

[@bevd.4263]

How well does it remove? Does it peel up the paint when you take the tape off?

[@prissilou]

@@bevd.4263 that depends on the paint. The older the paint, the more likely it is to flake off

[@joannegibbons2]

@@bevd.4263I would also add some heat when removing the adhesive.

[@bikinibro]

Dude. I'm only hearing about this in 2023?! I need this

[@mickimc2883]

Fireplace! I never thought of that! This is what I will do today! Thank you!

[@broifyouaskme1448]

Pros: You save money and you stay warm. Cons: You can't use your windows, the visibility is blurred slightly, and you have sticky residue when removed.

[@styl_propr]

This was such an awesome help and took the guess work out of what I should do to prevent a continued draft coming in during these cold months, thank you so much I greatly appreciate it! ❤️

[@naturalgalwilliams]

One of the best throw backs, yes still relevant as you mentioned. OneLove ❣️

[@nicolebrown230]

That is amazing! Thank you for posting this video. This is what I need for drafty windows.

[@1loveshonuff]

I ordered my kit and just started installing on the windows. Fairly easy and the rooms seemed warmer. I’m finishing the rest today. I’ll really know when the GA Power bill comes.

[@charlettebrinson3933]

Hi! I live in GA & plan on having this done to my windows this weekend. I hope it worked for you & your house is warmer!

[@missamw0]

@@charlettebrinson3933 Did it work? How was the GA Power bill? I live in GA as well.

[@missamw0]

Do you know if it worked? Was there a difference in your power bill?

[@1loveshonuff]

@missamw0 The house was warmer than usual but I have a basement and old windows so my bill was still high. If you have the double pane windows you’ll be good.

[@disfattbidge7]

Finally. I will try this method, hopefully it will work. My flat is always cold, it's like living with the white walkers.😅 Quick question: if installed this and closed the windows will condensation become a problem?

[@PlancoandChill]

I do this to all my windows. My advice though is to give it a few more contact points out in the middle. Like down the middle there is that ridge. During a really strong wind storm they can thump a little as they move in and out. Depends largely on your windows and any drafts around them. It also helps to remove the window trim very carefully and spray foam any major voids. You put the trip back and patch the nail holes with some paint. That sounds like a lot of work but there are things that are involved in being a homeowner that require some work for maximum comfort. You are right though these are a massive game changer!

[@TechVHD]

Why the trim part

[@PlancoandChill]

@@TechVHD some contractors or private remodeling projects don't always have the best care for voids and gaps. By removing the trim and filling them you prevent drafts that plastic alone isn't completely effective against. In older homes wood shrinkage can also silently cause the same issue. Plastic actually has a fairly low R value and even covering a gap it can still cool the air

[@TechVHD]

what is the part where you write plastic hasa low R value meaning and covering a gap part@@PlancoandChill

[@PlancoandChill]

@@TechVHD thermal transfer is important. A large sheet of cold plastic will chill the air around it eventually. The less draft you get on the window plastic and the thicker it is the less it will chill the air in the room. R value is a measure of the thermal transfer rate of a material. Insulation in northern states needs to be something like R14 by law in some areas. The R value of these window plastics is like R13 or R9 which is better than nothing. But my point is stopping drafts hitting the plastic means it works that much better

[@TechVHD]

by spraying foam around the trim because the contractor ans builders skip this, spraying the foam, does the r value go up or down and does that mean up or down is warmer air staying in @@PlancoandChill

[@patriot5891]

I apply the tape on the wall beyond the edge of the window trim because the trim can leak in multiple areas.

[@Hi_Its_LP]

I had no idea this was a thing! I like in a very hot climate. This will help all year!

[@pman2916]

I live in Brisbane Australia. It doesn't get cold enough for a heater and not hot enough for me to have aircon on, although in the summer, it gets pretty hot. I'm just used to the heat. Our powerbill is very low for this reason, just under $200 a quarter. I will keep this in mind tho, you never know..

[@terrynorman1222]

I love this wrap I put mine up after Xmas cause I put lights up and I don’t want it to melt- not sure if it would but I just don’t want to chance it😂👍🏽👍🏽

[@kennethpatierno6223]

Best thing to do just be calm when your doing it the first time it can be flustereing but it works lived in NY I put it on new windows it made a big difference I live in NC know and put it on my sliding glass door it is worth the money

[@xGARIDx]

I will definitely do this in this winter

[@mariamercy7317]

Awesome! Good to know. I have sliding glass doors in my living room where I can definitely use this 👍

[@PlancoandChill]

Yea it does great on those. They are a major heat loss point too!

[@duckling4393]

Bubble wrap is easier

[@ThriftDiving]

HAHA, who wants to look through bubble wrap, though? HAHA!

[@AnnaAliciaTx]

We need this. Especially here in west Texas where our winters are unpredictable and can be brutal. Thanks 😊

[@TheSuperstitiousGoat]

How cold do your winters in Texas get? We be getting that sickening -35 Celsius 😬

[@AnnaAliciaTx]

@@TheSuperstitiousGoat depends on what part of Texas people live in. I live in west Texas and we got as low as -20 degrees for the winter storm of February 2021 not as low as where you live though

[@MeliTX]

I'm doing this on my French doors! Great idea! Do yall think it would also keep the house cool in summer?

[@SamuelsReview]

This is a really good idea.

[@eggplanthose]

On a south-facing window it might have a greenhouse effect and gain heat. Any window that's not getting direct sunlight I bet it would help.

[@blueberryhill6948]

Thank You Thank You Thank You. I’ve been wasting money with the high heat bills not anymore

[@Joshua.zero29]

I've never done this, but considering it now for sure. Thanks!!!

[@cindypatrick785]

I leave the window film on all of my windows year round due to allergies and in the winter I use E6000 spray adhesive and attach large bubble wrap on the bottom half of my big picture windows in the LR & DR. My husband feels the difference as soon as I get the bubble wrap on because his side of the couch is closest to the window. It’s all behind sheers all winter and not much to look at during the winter anyways. I’m also hanging large bubble wrap on my walls in our family room that used to be a garage( not much insulation in the walls.) I felt the difference in temperature after just getting the north wall covered!!!$$$ 7:29

[@kemartini]

I’m definitely doing this very soon

[@pamt8430]

Did this for 20 yrs until we could afford new windows. Summer and Winter. If you can feel a draft in the Winter it is still there in the Summer.

[@nannetteaustin2308]

Bravo! Amazingly helpful video. Thanks!

[@joyceterra2265]

I do my windows every year. It makes as big difference.

[@maisies927]

I haven't tried it, but I most definitely will try it.

[@bettinamorgan4109]

Great idea! Thanks!!!

[@ThriftDiving]

You're welcome! Fall is officially tomorrow, I believe! And the temps are dropping.

[@jlgrabowski1640]

Very helpful video. Thanks!

[@personalpandemicstoriesorg4707]

No, you don't get condensation on the window. As the plastic blocks the draft it also blocks the warmer air inside, which is what causes the condensation.

[@leeb.7188]

I see a lot of people covering their windows with foil paper in the summer, to block out the sun and heat. I did that in the rear of my house, but not where it’s visible from the street because it looks crappy. I’m still trying to figure out a way to inexpensively reduce the heat coming in from the front windows.

[@ADWebTV]

I feel like I find all the drafts when its like snowing. Im so doing this next winter

[@shawuanamay3913]

I would like to try this winter

[@MPDLR]

1 WEEK AGO- my basement starting getting COLD drafts. As in I went from wearing a shirt, to 2 sweaters PLUS a winter hat. I can feel the breeze. Even upstairs main level - -- I feel some cold breeze. BUT....my heat is working! There's warm air coming from vents. I've felt every vent in the house - NO cold air from there. I do hear a 'thud' once in awhile I assume it's from furnace. Based on these clues - is it possible the furnace or HVAC is responsible for this sudden cold-ness in my house? BUT if so - and cold air isn't coming from vents ---where the heck could it be coming from? Appreciate any opinions...maybe it's not furnace and it's something else but this is weird, just started a week ago.

[@o.l.austin3642]

So this spring to remove tge tape, I'm going to try and remove the double sided tape the same way I would remove gum or other adhesive, and see if that works.

[@noreen_ann1438]

I have a question, if you have wood stained windows on the inside, will this keep moisture behind the plastic against the glass? How do you remove it in the spring?

[@umayfindyourself9381]

Been doing this, it helps but is so wasteful to throw it out in the spring. Need to make something re usable.

[@base1407]

Is getting the tape off in Spring time , easy?

[@ElinWinblad]

I bought this one year but then I didn’t put it up when I remembered I like to open the windows in winter to air out the house a few times

[@calebwhite6173]

I’ll be doing this on my windows and leaving my sliding door for air.

[@4lizlemon]

Definitely a need this year with inflation

[@ychongy]

Taking the doible sided tape off has been a challenge

[@andrewpinson1268]

I use a flat razor blade from my workshop. Since I am older I also use a magnifying lamp.

[@Practice_Kindness-1st]

Pretty neat!

[@EmmaComeau]

Could I leave this up all year to help keep AC in, in the summer too?

[@ThriftDiving]

I would say YES! :)

[@margaretlatocha1474]

This stuff is great but what happens to me is getting the tape to peal away is an issue,no nails,so it crumbles on meso taping and taping then I wind up just taping it however then it doesn't serve it purpose. Is there a hack where the tape can cut apart easier?

[@Aviewerbychance]

Does it leave any marks on the window or frame?

[@mms8477]

I still like fresh, and my windows open sometimes in the winter. But the condensation is rotting the window frame

[@ThriftDiving]

Hmmmm....then you definitely don't want to have that!

[@MariahsTreeHouse]

i do this to mine !

[@spiritsnow5488]

Is this easy to remove after winter has ended?

[@152lb.mousehole2]

Just did it 😉

[@georgelowellohhdgg63nnd96]

how would you handle blinds being in the way of the plastic - like the blinds would be right where the films goes?

[@jerryoverfield9187]

I have mini blinds in 3 bedrooms. I used the plastic film behind the blinds (in the window glass frame.) Look for a frame that goes all around inside the window. It worked well. Definitely keeping cold out and the mini blinds are on the outside, so I can open and close them.

[@pm2886]

Not being able to open windows is a deal breaker. Plus, the condensation would be a nightmare!

[@amandabr9562]

I don’t know where you’re at but here there’s no need to open the window. That’s the reason for this. To keep heat or cold air INSIDE the home.

[@pm2886]

@@amandabr9562 Sure, in the coldest or hottest part of the day you'll want your windows closed. But in a hot area you need to open them overnight to cool the house down. And even in a cold zone, you can't keep your windows closed all winter. Eww .. can you imagine the cooking smells etc? Ventilation is essential, for at least a few hours a day. FTR, I live in a location where summers can get over 110 degrees, and winters down to -5. We need to insulate for both hot, and cold. And we need to be able to open the windows daily!

[@elvishassassin1]

You can't open the window so how you're gonna ventilate?

[@ThriftDiving]

The idea is that you do this in the winter and then remove it in the spring. Opening the window isn't a big deal since most people DON'T open windows in the winter.

[@debraowen6723]

Open your doors for a little while. Use your bathroom exhaust fan.. use your kitchen exhaust fan.. any of this will exchange stale air for fresh in the winter.

[@YapiVlogs]

So how do you peel the tape off when its no longer winter? Do you keep it year round or until it get la damaged?

[@ThriftDiving]

You just peel if off like you would any tape. You would need to get a new window kit next season.

[@volveras09]

Any condensation after install?

[@Harris_will_steal_election]

I can do all the windows perfect accept the sliding glass door I put it up perfectly but there is so much wind blowing through the cracks on the doors that my plastic bows out like a foot and hairdryer doesn't do anything I've tried all over a couple times trying to get it as tight as I can but same thing happens each time it's got me wanting to bang my head through a wall it's so annoying I even bought foam for cracks its like 1 inch and you press it in the cracks and it expands another inch or two but air is still finding its way in anyone have any idea on how to fix without replacing the sliding doors? I mean it works but I like perfection lol and I'm hoping maybe there is a trick to solving this problem any tips would be appreciated greatly 😊

[@AnnaBrown-h4e]

Make sure your eindow sral is real wood, not just covered with venear or vinlyn to look like wood, because if ot is, ehen you temove the tspe it will pull it off, i know, because it did, other wise that works well!!?

[@khaoula4302]

Is the plastic of a special quality?

[@ThriftDiving]

I'm not sure. I think it's strong enough to shrink and not rip. But I don't know if you could just go to HD or Lowe's and buy a big roll of it yourself and just get some double-sided tape.

[@sislertx]

I should really do this..my 1922 windows are.drafty..inly thing is it will.take my paint off...oh well....back in the ice apocalypse i stuffed anything i could find in windows...and cardboard is still in the window feom 3 years ago!!!

[@Nomore370]

What if there is no trim around the windows because they aren’t finished .. what do I do then?

[@ThriftDiving]

I think you just have to figure out where to adhere it. It would stick to drywall, or even studs.

[@Metqa]

all it takes is one poke and the entire plastic sheet rips like a lady's fancy hosiery.

[@personalpandemicstoriesorg4707]

I've never had that happen in the many years I've used them. Duck brand is the best.

[@garethmacginty6182]

How do you open the window?

[@ThriftDiving]

You can't open the window while the film is on the window.

[@RexBanner_]

🔥

[@thurgoodstubbs9670]

Can I use a heat gun ? I have the film but no hair dryer. I’ve never used the heat gun for anything so I don’t know how they compare.

[@purple7vi0let]

This is especially needed for casement windows. They let in big drafts of wind during the winter!!!!!!! SMH

[@mat_j]

USA is thriving I see...

[@keithlittle293]

You can't open the window ?

[@ThriftDiving]

Not when you have the film on them.

[@changeyourenergy708]

Really, if these window's leak air, theyre not installed correctly. Theyre newer and double glazed. My older, single glazed windows dont leak air at all.

[@jayraza1386]

Stupid question, how do you open the window to allow ventilation? I'd say ventilation is very key. Nonetheless, I'll be using this in my garage which doesnt have an opening window :D

[@rebeccad8568]

Yeah I’m thinking the same!

[@EllieLove21]

You don't. You leave the plastic insulation up all winter, then remove it the following Spring.

[@jayraza1386]

@EllieLove21 so are you implying that during winter, you don't need ventilation?

[@EllieLove21]

@@jayraza1386 It defeats the purpose to remove the plastic during cold months.

[@rababshoaib1889]

It doesn't cause mould in the house because of no ventilation

[@dorisjcrotty1332]

If there is a fire in your house, this plastic becomes toxic.

[@rbraxton00]

👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾

[@Rhondas_Flippin_Life]

I also live in Maryland not far from you. I do this too 🌬🪟❄️

[@klomax7089]

Ok so you just blessed my entire life right now! I was literally about to use plastic from the dry cleaner to do this. Thank you soooooo much, this looks so very easy and worth it.👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾🫶🏽🫶🏽🫶🏽❤️❤️❤️