When the temperature plummets, your heating bill is on the rise and your thoughts are on how to keep warm, it can be hard to think about anything other than the bitter chill outside — and the expense of trying to keep it outside. And we also have a strict ‘don’t touch the thermostat’ rule in our home. Ha! That’s when I heard about the buzz around the window film hack.
I have yet to test it out, but far too many people swear by it. My husband’s granny was on and on at me about it because she thinks we’ve got a problem. It’s a nifty-sounding idea that seems almost too good to be true: You tape some plastic wrap to your windows to prevent air leaks. But does it really achieve the result that some users claim it does? Or is it just another pointless hack? Let’s see if it’s worth any of our time.
How the Window Film Hack Pulls Off the Trick
So, what is this hack? The concept is pretty simple. You grab a thin sheet of plastic wrap or specially designed window insulation film, affix it to your window frames using double-sided tape, and shrink it into position with a hairdryer. This will create an insulating seal while helping to increase the R-value of a garage where temperatures may be cold but where reflection is necessary.
That’s like putting a tight plastic coat on your windows. The air between the glass and the plastic provides insulation that prevents heat from escaping through the windows. This hack is especially good for older single-pane windows.
What People Love About It
I’m not surprised so many people are buzzing about this hack. And it has several things going for it: For one thing, it’s super cheap. A roll of plastic wrap can be bought for a song, and window insulation kits are pretty cheap. Even better: there isn’t a lot of time or effort to it, according to most everyone who has done it for an entire room. Start to finish is under an hour.
But the biggest draw? The promise of a warmer home. Some users say the difference is night and day, specifically in rooms with older or poorly insulated windows. “I received a draft every time I would walk past the living room windows,” one reviewer wrote. “The draft was totally gone after I applied the plastic film.”
It seems to be popular with renters, too. And because it’s temporary, you can take it down at the end of the season without a trace. That’s a huge victory if you are attempting to keep warm in a place you do not own.
Limitations: The Not-So-Great Stuff About the Hack
But let’s not get too carried away. Like any hack, the window film one is not as perfect as my grand-mother-in-law thinks. It’s good to bear them in mind before you start cutting tape and plastic.
Not to mention, it’s not the most picture-perfect choice. The plastic can contract until it’s barely perceptible, but it’s still plastic weatherproofing on your windows. If you care about the look of your home, this hack might not be your fave.
Then there’s the matter of what all this would actually do. Once the plastic is up, you cannot open the windows without tearing it down. That may not be such a big deal in the dead of winter, but if you want to air out a room or get some fresh air, you will have to begin again from scratch.
A second potential issue is the possibility of condensation. Moisture can collect behind the plastic against the window, according to some reviewers, especially in damp rooms or areas like bathrooms and kitchens. This can end you up with mold and mildew development, and that can be a real pain.
And keep in mind: this hack is probably best suited for single-pane or older windows. If you already have double-glazed windows, the returns may not be as stark. Heavy thermal drapes or weatherstripping could be a better investment.
So, Is It Worth Trying?
That depends. If you have an old, drafty house and want a quick, inexpensive way to keep warm, this hack is worth a try. And if you have family members that come into your home saying that your house is drafty, it’s pretty handy. It’s cheap, easy to do, (even my husband’s grandma can do it herself) and it can make a dramatic improvement in your comfort. And it’s low risk — if you don’t like it, you can always take it away.
On the other hand, if you intend to use the device for an extended period, this may not be the option for you. The plastic film will need to be replaced every winter, and will be good only for one season. And while it might provide some temporary relief, it’s probably not going to fix your insulation problems causing those drafts, nor ensure your heating bill will stay low in the long run.
Other Options to Consider
And if the window film hack doesn’t sound quite right for you, don’t worry — there are plenty of other methods to keep your home toasty this winter. We have also tested these in our home. And made them work even though neither me or my husband are handy.
Thermal Curtains: Thick, insulated curtains that may help block drafts and contain heat. They also come in lots of different colors and designs to keep you warm without ruining the look of your home.
Draft Stoppers: For an even less-complicated solution, tuck a draft stopper (or rolled-up towel) at the bases of your windowsills and doors. It’s not going to totally solve all your woes, but it’s a quick, easy, effective way to reduce drafts.
Weatherstripping: With a few rolls of this tape, it’s easy to block out the draft that’s making the way through your windows and doors. My husband got us a few rolls on a good deal, even gave some to our neighbor. It’s affordable, easy to install, and doesn’t impair the functioning of your windows.
The window film hack isn’t without its drawbacks, but for many of us, it’s a good-enough solution to an age-old winter problem. If you’re sick of drafts(as most of my extended family seem to be) and climbing heating bills, it’s worth a thought — as long as you’re realistic about its limitations.
So, what do you think? Ready to give this hack a try? Or have you made it, and do you want to share some tips?
