How to Insulate Old Single Pane Windows
Older homes are usually not very energy efficient. Factors such as insulation, windows, doors, heat pumps and water heaters all can determine how efficient your home really is. Windows are important to consider when you try to save energy. Windows add up to a large amount of square footage throughout your home, and a lot of energy can be lost through them. It may be time to winterize old, drafty windows, particularly if they are single pane. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Window cleaner
- Clean rags
- Window insulation kit
- Measuring tape
- Utility knife or scissors
- Blow-dryer
Instructions
-
-
1
Scrub the surface of your windows inside the house with window cleaner and clean rags to remove any dirt or grime. This will ensure that the double-stick tape from your window insulation kit will stick to the glass properly.
-
2
Measure each window's width and height. Add 2 inches to the width and 2 inches to the height. You will cut out the window film material from your insulation kit 1 inch bigger, all the way around the window, to allow for shrinkage.
-
-
3
Cut the double-stick tape from your window film kit and prepare to install it. Kits usually include window film and double-sided tape. Apply the double-stick tape to the outside edges of the window glass itself, working your way around the entire window. The window film must be installed on the inside of the window.
-
4
Cut your window film to the size that is 2 inches bigger than the width and the height of the window. Apply the window film, working out air pockets as you move from the center of each window to the outside edges. Push the edges of the window film down over the double-sided tape.
-
5
Apply heat to the window film using your blow-dryer. Stand about 6 to 12 inches away from the window and heat the film until it shrinks up a bit. This gives the film a tight fit to the window.
-
6
Repeat the entire process for each window in your home.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Window film insulation kits come in one-window and five-window applications, as well as in a size for a sliding door.
Apply window weather stripping if you want even more energy savings. The most common product is one that is made of foam and has a double-sided tape, just like for your window film kit. Apply it to the edges of the window by pressing the foam down with the double-stick tape between the window and the foam.
