Cheap Ways to Insulate Windows

Insulating your windows during the winter can go a long way toward your goal of reducing energy bills. Well-insulated windows bring in light and warmth during the day and keep out cold breezes at night. There are a variety of methods you can use to insulate your windows yourself, some more effective than others.

Block the Draft

One of the simplest and least expensive ways to insulate your windows is to block the draft coming in through the window sill. Use a towel or a blanket for a fast solution; simply fold or roll it up and place it on the window sill. It will block some of the wind coming in through any gaps. Another way to do this is to get a draft snake. This is a tube of fabric filled with rice or beans; you can make one yourself or buy them inexpensively in a store. The down side to these options is that it will only help on the window sill and does nothing about the top, sides, or glass portions of the window.

Weather Stripping

Weather stripping is readily available at hardware stores. You can buy it as a kit with all the materials needed to install it, or buy the stripping and the other materials separately. Applying weather stripping around the edges of your windows should only take you an afternoon's time, but it can save your heating bills by lowering them approximately 20 percent, according to Discovery.com's Planet Green feature.

Window Insulation Film

Hardware stores sell window insulation kits that contain film and adhesives that you stick to your window. The clear film resembles cellophane or clear contact paper and it insulates your windows against the cold. It is quick and easy to apply, and is not expensive. The down side is that it will make your windows look cloudy; the film isn't entirely invisible after application.

Blackout Curtains

Blackout curtains can be somewhat pricey, depending on sizes and how many you need. Single panels are available at discount stores for approximately $10 and up in 2010. But they can be both functional and fashionable, as they come in a variety of colors and help to insulate your windows and block out noise at the same time.

Bubble Wrap

Believe it or not, bubble wrap can improve your window's energy efficiency. If you don't mind the look of bubble wrap stuck to your windows (or if you're willing to hide it behind drapes and curtains), you can cover your windows with bubble wrap by attaching it with double-sided tape. According to Discovery's Planet Green, bubble wrap increases the R-value of the average window from .8 to 2. R-value is the ability of the window to resist heat flow; having a higher R-value means the heat in your home will stay in your home rather than escaping through your windows.

References

• Discovery Planet Green: 7 Great Ways to Insulate Your Windows
• Apartment Therapy Chicago: 5 Ways to Insulate Your Windows for Winter
• Home Tips: Window R-Values and U-Values