How To Insulate Windows For The Winter

For many homeowners that live in colder climates, the return of the winter months is usually met with dread. Not only do you have to deal with the cold, but you also have to spend a lot more money to keep your home warm.

However, there are a few thin

gs you can do to help keep the warm air inside your home while keeping the cold air out. One of the most effective solutions is to insulate your windows, and you are going to learn how to do this today.

There are a few different options that you can choose from, each with its own pros and cons. Let’s jump right in!

How To Insulate Windows For The Winter

Benefits Of Insulating Your Windows

While doing something as simple as insulating your windows might not seem like it would have that big of an impact, you’d be wrong. Some studies have shown that during the cold winter months, 25% – 30% of your home energy is lost due to poorly insulated windows. So, the benefits of adding some extra insulation to your windows are massive.

These are the top benefits you will see from insulating your windows.

• Reduced heating bills – when you insulate your windows, you are essentially keeping the warm air in and the cold air out. This results in your furnace turning on less often which means reduced heating bills for you!
• Reduced wear and tear on your furnace or HVAC system – since your heating system doesn’t need to work as hard to keep your home warm, it will reduce the wear and tear of the equipment which can also save you money in the long run.
• Improved comfort – windows that have a lot of cracks and gaps in them result in drafts throughout your home. By insulating your windows, you will reduce these cold air drafts making your home feel so much more comfortable.

How To Insulate Windows To Keep Out Cold Air

Seal Cracks & Gaps

Before winter returns, every homeowner should take time to seal any cracks or gaps in the window frame. This will help to get rid of any drafts and keep the cold air out of your home.

You can do this using caulking or expanding foam. Just make sure you use a product that is rated for outdoor use so it won’t crack or break down over time.

Also, be sure to read the product label to make sure you are applying it as per the manufacturer’s directions. For example, some caulking can only be applied in temperatures above 40°F.

Install Weatherstripping

Another great way to seal any cracks or gaps is to use weatherstripping. There are a few different types available, but most of them are foam with some kind of adhesive on the backside.

The ease of installation will depend on which type of weatherstripping you get, but make sure you choose a high-quality option. These will do the best at keeping the cold air out of your home and will last you much longer.

You can either apply the weatherstripping just to the areas where there is a draft coming in or all around the window frame. While installing it to your whole window will cost you more, it will also help keep the warm air inside more effectively. 

Add Window Insulation Film

Window insulation film is a thin layer of plastic that you can install onto your window frame. While they don’t necessarily look like they do all that much, they are great at keeping the cold air out of your home.

You can get kits with all the materials you need at most hardware stores or even places like Amazon, Target, etc. In addition to the materials, you will also need a snap-off knife and hairdryer.

The installation is relatively simple and all the kits will come with instructions. It’s usually just a matter of applying the tape or adhesive to your window frame, adding the film, cutting off the excess materials, and then using a hairdryer or heat gun to shrink the film and remove air bubbles.

Before you install your film, make sure the window frame is free of dirt and dust.

Install Removable Magnetic Window Insulation System

The option above is great if you don’t need to remove the film from your windows. However, if you think you will want to remove that film occasionally, then you might consider an alternative option such as a magnetic window insulation system.

These are similar in that they also use window film. However, they are applied to your window frame using a magnetic strip instead of tape which allows you to remove the film whenever you want.

To install, all you have to do is apply the magnetic strip to your window frame by peeling off the adhesive and sticking it on. Then, add the window film as you would with the other option and use a hairdryer or heat gun to shrink it up. And that’s it. Now you have a removable window film solution to keep the cold air out of your home.

Use Bubble Wrap

If you are looking for a more budget-friendly window insulation solution, you can also use bubble wrap in your window frame. Simply cut the bubble wrap down to the size that you need and apply it to the window frame using double-sided tape.

Thermal Curtains

One last thing you can do to insulate your windows from the cold is to use thermal curtains. Thermal curtains have a special lining on them that helps keep the hot air in and the cold air out which is great during the winter months.

Plus, you can get thermal curtains in different colors and patterns which can be a nice way to add some decor to your home and make your space feel even cozier.

Since curtains hang in front of your window and have nothing to do with the window or frame itself, you can also pair this option with one or more of the other ideas included in this article.

Spray Foam Insulation

For an even more effective way to insulate your windows, you can use spray foam insulation. Spray foam is one of the best insulation materials available and it can be applied in all sorts of places including window frames, outlets, and door frames.

To use this option for your windows, simply purchase a spray foam insulation kit from a hardware store and follow the instructions.

Keep in mind that this option is more expensive than the other options listed here and you need to be careful not to overapply it or get it on any surfaces where it shouldn’t be.

What Is The Cheapest Way To Insulate Windows For Winter?

The cheapest way to insulate windows for the winter is to use bubble wrap. This solution only requires you to buy a roll of bubble wrap and some double-sided tape, both of which are relatively inexpensive compared to other insulation options. Plus, it’s relatively easy to apply and can help keep your home warm during the cold months.

However, the durability of bubble wrap will not be as good as some of the other options provided. So you may need to replace the bubble wrap more frequently if you are dealing with extreme winter conditions.

How Much Does It Cost To Insulate Windows?

The cost of insulating your windows will depend on the type of insulation you choose and how many windows your home has.

Window insulation film, magnetic window insulation systems, and thermal curtains are all relatively affordable options that can cost anywhere from $10-$50 per window, depending on the size of your windows.

On the other hand, if you opt for a more professional installation such as spray foam insulation, then the cost can range from $100-$200 per window.

Keeping your windows insulated during the winter months is a great way to reduce your energy bills and keep your home warm and comfortable. And there are plenty of options available that fit different budgets and needs. Be sure to research each option so that you can find the one that works best for your home and needs. 

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