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Does Putting Plastic Over Your Windows Really Do Anything?
Right around when the bags of Halloween candy and jack-o-lantern décor graces the retail shelves, so too do those ubiquitous window insulation kits. You know the ones; you wrestle a flimsy roll of cling film that sticks to itself, then have to measure and tape it to your dirty and dusty window frame, hoping you’ve created a seal even though you know your window sill isn't flush with the wall and isn't nearly flat enough to tape a plastic sheet to.
Then, after 45 minutes of swearing, you bust out the hairdryer, say a prayer, and marvel at the ability of that ugly, wrinkled plastic to suddenly tighten, smooth out, and almost disappear before your very eyes! If you've applied it correctly, that is. We wonder; is it even worth the effort to insulate your windows every winter?
Plastic Window Insulation Kits (If Done Right) Can Only Help to an Extent
According to the EPA (via EnergyStar), insulated windows do save you money (when done right and on windows without any leaks). On average, you can expect a decrease of around 20% on your energy bill if you cling film all of your exterior windows for the winter.
However, EnergyStar makes one clear distinction; you have to shrink the plastic with a hairdryer or heat gun, and the plastic has to be fully applied and sealed to the window. For those of us with older homes and ornate windows that don't quite square up, this can be almost impossible!
Incense Can Help Tell You Just How Drafty Your Windows Are
Are you wondering how drafty your windows are? Maybe you’re wondering if you even have a problem. While it’s painfully obvious how drafty some of our windows are in the winter, some of us might be comfortable but curious.
One great way of detecting a draft is through what is called the “incense test.” This is a simple test that can check for a draft anywhere in your home. Light a stick of incense, then set it at the base of your window and wait. Sit or stand still so as not to disturb the air yourself. Soon enough, you should see the incense smoke move in the direction of the natural draft coming through your windows.
Are Your Windows Snug? Try the Paper Test
One more DIY test you can perform is the “paper test.” Take a plain sheet of paper and close your window on it. Can you slide the paper around even with the window closed? If so, your window isn’t shutting tightly enough to keep out the cold air. If your window fails the paper test, then we recommend insulating them for the winter.
Sick of Winter Drafts, Lost Heat, and Unsafe Windows? Get Your Windows Replaced!
Even New England winters have the odd warm day. When the temperatures rise, it’s tempting to open the window and let some fresh air inside. If you’ve cling filmed your windows for the winter, that will be impossible unless you want to go through the trouble again!
It can also be difficult to get a good seal on a window with an insulating film. It's also a complete pain in the butt! If you struggle every winter to wrap your windows in plastic like last night's leftovers, then it might be time to end your struggles once and for all and invest in some new energy-efficient windows. Just think of it; no longer will you fight with plastic. Instead, you’ll shut out the cold as easily as you shut a window.