How to insulate your windows for the winter – five reliable options
Winter is pretty much upon us, but the coldest winds are still to come. While we all love the gorgeous winter scenery, what with snow and ice changing our regular landscape into a winter wonderland, we all know it’s best view from a distance, from a warm place with a hot cup of cocoa. Sometimes, it may be harder to achieve that than you think – keeping your home warm really depends on a number of factors. Among the most important ones is window insulation. Here are five ideas for insulating your windows for the winter.
1. Rubber Weather Sealing
This involves the installation of self-stick rubber elements. These long strips can be purchased in a number of places, both online and in physical shops, and they can be cut down to many sizes, so they’re a versatile option that you can be sure will always work, tightly sealing any gaps you have to keep out the draft. They’re a cheap option that won’t alter the appearance of the window, but once you peel them away, they may slightly damage the paint, leaving behind a sticky residue.
2. Window Insulation Film
This kit includes a plastic shrink film that is attached to an indoor frame using double-stick tape. Afterwards, a hair dryer can be used to shrink the film and get rid of any videos. This may sound complicated, but is actually really simple, on top of being a cheap and effective option. Keep in mind, however, that it leaves a visible, cloudy look.
3. Cellular Shades
These shades are a perfect means of insulating your windows while still allowing for light to come through. They can be custom-fitted to any type of window, so you can be sure it’s always an optimal choice. Keep in mind, however, that this option is quite pricy and doesn’t offer as much insulation as other options.
4. Layered or Insulated Curtains
Curtains made using heavy fabrics, with single or multiple layers, are quite an effective way of keeping out drafts and maintaining a steady high temperature in your home. Aside from regular curtains, there are insulated curtains available with thermal backing, made with the express purpose of insulating your windows. They are a very stylish option that can be customised to match your decor, but keep in mind that they’re quite a costly option that also blocks out light.
5. Draft Snakes
These are fabric tubes placed on a windows sill or under a door, and they’re meant to keep the cold air from coming inside. They’re a cheap option and you can make them yourself, making it a fun DIY project, but they can only go so far – this option only insulates the window sill and not the glass or frame.
