How to Insulate Your Home's Windows!

With the heart of winter upon us, it seems like we are all looking for a way to save on our heating bills. Many people overlook the easiest and most affordable ways to keep their homes warmer - insulating their windows!

We insulated our windows this weekend. I have to admit, I was not looking forward to the process. I had the idea in my mind that it was going to be a difficult task, and that it would take all day! I was happily proven wrong! We finished the project in a few hours, and it ended up being a fun way to spend the afternoon as a couple!

Insulating the windows with plastic shrink wrap increases the R-value of the window as much as adding another pane of glass. When you have thirty-year-old windows like I do, this makes a big difference! When done properly, this barrier decreases drafts that come through the window, and keeps the frost from building up inside. We had both drafts and frost, so we knew it was time to do something.

Here's how you do it. First, you need to buy the supplies. You will need:

• Insulating plastic
• Double stick tape (the kind made for this job)
• Hair dryer
• Extension chord
• Rubbing alcohol
• Paper towel

We bought our plastic and tape in a little kit for each window. They were cheap, only around $3, and extremely convenient. You can purchase the items separately as well.

Preparing the Window

The first step to applying the insulation is to prepare the window. Make sure that the storm window is closed, and that the window is locked securely. Then, clean the edges of the window with alcohol on the paper towel. If you have curtains up, you may want to remove them to give you more room to work. Next, heat the windowpane, if it feels cold to the touch. Simply run the blow dryer along the windowpane for a few minutes.

Applying the Tape