When the Weather Outside is Frightful, Seal the Inside

The bitter cold winds seemed to kick up early this year and reminded me of one of the things still on my energy reduction list: replacing my old windows. I had previously looked at new, energy efficient windows, but the cost would be close to $20,000. Moreover, replacing all the windows and siding could easily take several weeks, or months. This option really did not seem practical, but I started to wonder if I could get by with a less expensive alternative.

Caulking was the first thing to come to mind, but I knew that with my schedule I would be unable to get to most of the windows during daylight. Standing on a ladder in the cold wind at night did not seem the wisest (or safest) idea. I wondered about sealing the windows from the inside. Remembering some old commercials for a shrink-wrap style film that can insulate windows, I decided to do a little internet research on their effectiveness. What I found really surprised me.

Most of the people who wrote into forum sites or blogs seemed to think that the shrink wrap film did help reduce the draft through old windows. There did seem to be some common threads for ensuring that the film would be effective:

1. Make sure the window is closed first. Drafts leaking past partially closed windows were barely stopped by the film. Use insulation to plug any holes if you have a window that cannot be fully closed.
2. Ensure there is some trapped air between the window and the film. There is window film that is applied directly to the glass that helps reduce UV rays. This type of film is great for protecting wood cabinets and floors, but has little insulating value. Some people found that applying the film to the window frame to be the best method.
3. The use of tape with the shrink-wrap film received mixed reviews. People recommended blue painters tape, but even this has a tendency to mar the surface after it has been in place for several months. 3M does sell a special tape for their film, but it is very expensive. In general, a good job with the hair dryer and scissors should be sufficient.
4. Many homeowners were a little disappointed that the film could only be used once. Some creative and handy people were able to fashion their own wood frames with heavy duty clear plastic stretched across them. These frames were custom built to fit into the window and sturdy enough to be put in and taken out year after year.
5. The biggest downside to any of the films was the decrease in transparency. Objects tend to look blurry through the film.

In general, it is advisable to seal drafts around your doors, electrical switches, dryer duct, stove duct, chimney duct, attic stairs, bath vent, etc. before replacing drafty windows. If you do have the money to replace the windows and you will be in the home for many more years, it may be worth your while. Simple and cheap alternatives like: fully closing the windows, closing your drapes at night, or even closing off unused rooms, are available for those not yet ready to make a larger investment.