Are you looking for an easy-to-follow guide on how to insulate windows to keep heat this winter? If so, this blog is just meant for you.
Winters are just around the corner – and this year, they are expected to be colder than ever. So, if you haven’t already taken steps to keep your home warm during these chilly months, it’s high time that you start planning to do so. Regardless of where you live and how low the temperatures drop in that certain area, the first thing you need to do is to make sure that there aren’t any cracks or openings that allow cold drafts to enter your home and force the heat to escape.
Although you may not realize it, the tiny gaps between window frames and windows are the biggest culprit of letting cool air into your home. Therefore, it is pertinent to insulate windows if you wish to keep the heat inside this season and not run your heater throughout the day.
Here are some easy and budget-friendly ideas for insulating windows in winter.
How to Insulate Windows for winter in Pakistan
The best thing about DIY window insulation is that you can do it on your own without putting a lot of strain on your wallet or upsetting your household budget. Moreover, insulating your windows is one of the best ways to keep your house warm during winter.
Though before we begin, it is important to mention that a single-glazed glass pane can lose about ten times as much heat as the same surface area of an insulated wall. Even double-glazed windows don’t offer as much insulation as most people believe they would. So, unless you have triple-glazed glass panes, you might want to follow some of these tricks to keep your house warm.
Let’s further discuss these tips for cheap DIY window insulation for winter and learn how you can effectively seal out the cold air without affecting your budget.
Cover Your Windows with Bubble Wrap
Bubble wrap window insulation is one of the best ways to keep your home warm this winter season. Though your windows may not look as pretty once you’ve covered them with this material, your home will definitely feel warmer. Moreover, you can easily find bubble wrap sheets at your local hardware store, as it is widely used for packing stuff and is quite cheap.
Depending on your preference, you can choose between medium and large-size bubbles. Although both of them serve the same purpose, a lot of homeowners prefer larger bubbles as they still allow natural light to stream inside your home and don’t obscure the vision completely.
Now, in order to insulate house windows with bubble wrap, you first need to measure the size of your window panes and cut out pieces of bubble wrap accordingly. Then, use a spray bottle to spray some water on your window and press the bubble wrap on the surface while it is still wet. You’ll have to press it on your window panes, with the bubble side facing the glass, and hold it until it sticks. You can even use transparent tape to stick the edges to the window, though be careful as removing the tape might ruin your paint.
Once the weather begins to get warmer, you can simply pull the bubble wrap off your window and store it in a dry place for later use. It doesn’t leave any marks on your window either.
Install window insulation film
Using insulating films is one of the easiest and most affordable methods to insulate windows for winter with plastic.
Widely available in the market as well as in various online stores, window insulation films can be applied on single and double-glazed glass panes to increase their insulation. It essentially creates a barrier to reduce heat transfer.
However, it is important to mention that insulation films still let natural light in and if applied properly, don’t obscure your view. You can even use these plastic insulation films on your car windows as well.
As far as installation is concerned, all you have to do is clean your window panes, measure the film and apply it to your window frames using sticky tape. Then, use a regular hair dryer to make the plastic shrink and stick to the window panes. You can also use a small piece of cardboard or hard paper to remove the wrinkles and air bubbles by moving them across the surface.
Moreover, you can find these window insulation films in a variety of patterns and designs, which can add to the aesthetics of your home.
Use Adhesive Rubber or Foam Strips
Self-adhesive rubber and foam strips act as amazing sealants. They are pretty easily available at hardware stores in a variety of sizes with different levels of thickness and adhesiveness. Apart from providing window insulation, these rubber and foam strips or tapes are also used for sound-proofing, cushioning, padding and sealing purposes.
To install these tapes, you’ll first have to clean the surface where they need to be attached with a solution of detergent and water. Make sure there are no dust or grease particles left on the surface. Then, measure the inside of the frame and window sill before using scissors to cut off the strip. You can now peel off the backing paper and push the foam or rubber strip into place. It will attach immediately.
Although this type of insulation, also known as weather-stripping, is not permanent, it can easily last up to three years depending on its quality.
Furthermore, you can also use silicone caulk to seal your windows by pressing the material along the edges of the windows. You can easily purchase a caulking kit from any hardware store.
Invest in thermal curtains for your windows
Thermal windows are specifically designed to keep the cold air from entering your home. Although they make look like normal curtains on the surface, the thermal ones are lined with a reflective film layer, vapour barrier coating and an outer covering featuring different patterns and designs. The drapes don’t allow any transfer of heat and are thus considered the best way to insulate windows for winter in Pakistan.
Moreover, thermal drapes also provide sound and light insulation. They can also be used to keep the heat from seeping into your home during the summer months as well.
Although thermal curtains are slightly more expensive than other materials listed above, they are also very long-lasting and can be used for years on end. Furthermore, apart from having a reflective lining, they pretty much serve the same purpose as regular curtains.
For those who live in the northern areas of Pakistan, this is probably the best option to keep your house warm during winter without running your heater all the time. Also, if you are looking for a long-term solution to your problem, you might want to take a look at the pros and cons of spray foam insulation.
In case you have any questions regarding how to insulate old windows, you can get in touch with us at blog@zameen.com. To learn more about DIY home improvement projects, stay connected to Zameen Blog – the best property and lifestyle blog in Pakistan.
