Can bubblewrap help insulate your windows? Keeping your gas bill low is always important, especially during the colder months. While there are many ways to prepare your house for the winter, there’s one great way that costs almost nothing and takes no time at all…provided you can keep your inner-child in check…
Bubblewrap Window Insulation
I had seen the “bubblewrap” method posted from time to time on Pinterest or Facebook, but never really bothered to look into whether or not it actually works. Well this year I decided to collect all the bubblewrap that came from online shopping over the holidays and put it to use.
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To bubblewrap your windows you’ll need:
- bubblewrap
- a spray bottle filled with water
- scissors
- double-sided tape*
*I only needed the tape for our bathroom windows as the condensation seemed to cause the bubblewrap to lose its grip on the windows. All other windows are still holding nicely with just water!
Cut your bubblewrap to fit, lightly spray the window down with water, and then place the bubblewrap so that the bubble-side is against the window. And you’re done!
An Easy Way to Insulate Your Windows
Crazy easy, right?
I put the bubblewrap up about a month ago and it’s held up nicely, but you can always use a couple pieces of double-sided tape should you have any issues. With just bubblewrap in our bathroom and foyer, I’ve noticed a huge difference in temperature. It’s wonderful!
With Illinois weather being what it is, it is so nice to not be cut off from opening my windows all season long because goodness knows we’ll have a 60-degree day in the middle of February (and we did!)
I must admit, I still used window shrink wrap in some of the draftier rooms.
We bought a heat gun this year and I had to try it out! It makes such a difference. Seriously, if you plan to shrink wrap your windows at all, spend the $20 and get a heat gun instead of using a blow dryer. The time you save is well worth the money (plus you can always use it for other projects, like a DIY Worm Farm!)
I would also recommend using Great Stuff to fill in any gaps or cracks that are letting air in or out. I love this stuff and it’s also great to use outside to make sure no visitors (mice) come your way.
I must try this!
Do it, it’s amazing how well it works!! π
I would never leave my window! Must pop bubble wrap! This really is a great idea though, popping aside π
Haha it is tough, but I make sure to have some on standby to get my fix π
Never would have thought of this! Of course, my toddlers immediately pop all bubble wrap here!
Mine try to cause chaos regardless (even if I shrinkwrap the windows instead). Sometimes I resort to bribery to get them to stop… π
Love this idea. I’m always looking for ways to reduce my heating bill as The House on the Hill is old and Maine is very cold. I actually use saran wrap on the small window in my kitchen, and then hang colorful fleece blankets over the windows in the living room, dining room, and sun room. They keep out the cold and add a little color to blah winter days. π
We only have curtains up in the winter for that same reason – color and warmth combined! Our house was built in 1888 so I know all about trying to keep an old house cozy. π