Foam tape window insulation works by creating an airtight seal around the edges of windows,” Shaver says. “The foam tape, which has adhesive on one side, is applied to the window frame and if necessary to the top and bottom of the two sashes. When the window is closed, it compresses, producing a seal that acts as a barrier against drafts and heat loss.” Keep in mind that foam tape generally isn’t designed to last multiple seasons, but it can be an excellent option if you’d rather not have plastic film covering your windows. Read on for shopping considerations when selecting this type of window treatment and to learn why these are among the best window insulation kits available. We’re now going to explore the best window films on the market, some information about them and the industry, and what makes them a top choice for thousands of people across the world. Stormguard Conservatory Glazing Window Insulation Film The best window insulation kits are effective, affordable, and easy to install. Most kits are installed by placing double-sided tape around the perimeter of the window jamb. Then, window film is applied to the tape. At the bottom of the window, the film is attached to a piece of tape on the sill, making a seal. Finally, the film is heated with a handheld hair dryer to create a transparent airtight seal that’s free from wrinkles. FAQs I'm not sure why or what combination of things caused the sound, but after repositioning it to be ever so slightly looser, all is golden!

If you prefer to install a film on the exterior of your home, the best window insulator kit is the 3M Outdoor Window Insulator Kit. It was specially developed to withstand the elements, though it will most likely only last one year and shouldn’t be reused. Now, this item, which is the full kit for insulating the glass in your conservatory, is incredibly easy to install and the appearance of the kit will leave you more than satisfied. You simply clean the windows with a white spirit, apply the 3m double-sided tape to the edges and attach to the window, and then use a hair dryer to bond the film to the window, albeit in a temporary state.Because heat travels from hot to cold areas, the heat generated by a home heating system will leak out to the colder environment,” Benson says. “Window insulation kits function by creating an air barrier between the interior living space and the window. When installed properly, window insulation kits are completely see-through.” With the exception of a ladder and an extension cord to reach it, this insulator kit is installed the same way–and just as easily–as an indoor kit. Simply measure, cut, tape, shrink, and trim. We were pleased to learn that it pulls just as tight and clear as the indoor options. Keep in mind that high winds can cause small wrinkles in the film and after a long winter of wind, it most likely can’t be reused. Window insulation kits are an affordable solution to cut the cost of your energy bill and make a home less drafty. For those who cannot afford to replace windows, they’re a good option to upgrade ones that are not energy efficient. According to Dominguez, it’s easy to install a window insulation kit, but he advises to not go it alone. “You’re going to want someone to help you install your kit,” he says. “Installation is easy, but it’s not a one-person job. You’ll appreciate having help from a friend the first time.”

Installation is easy but may require a ladder and a partner. Once the insulation is secured and heat is applied with a hairdryer the film will shrink to be crystal clear, tight, and wrinkle-free.

Does window insulation film really work?

This article was written by Belle DuChene, an award-winning digital content producer and stylist who is often seen in Better Homes & Gardens home and garden videos, and Brittany VanDerBill, a contributing writer with over six years of experience. Brittany is a regular contributor to Better Homes & Gardens, specializing home appliances and cleaning products. Window insulation kits vary from each manufacturer, so be sure to read all of the instructions and find the one that suits your needs,” Benson says. The directions for whether you are buying the best window insulation kit indoors or out will be included in the box. While you could typically use the film interchangeably, it's the tape that can make the difference. In a pinch, you could get away with using a plastic film made for the outdoors inside your home, but only if you buy tape made for use indoors. Outdoor tapes may be too strong and could damage your surfaces during removal. Some kits will have varying levels of clarity of the film, though most shrink kits will have clear film to allow you to see out your window. Having a sharp pair of scissors comes in handy. To trim the excess, I didn't trim, but glided the scissors around to leave as clean of an edge as possible.

Plastic film insulation kits are the easiest and most cost-effective way to seal off your windows. These kits include double-sided tape and a plastic film that is attached to a window and then shrunk with a hair dryer to create an airtight seal. The kit also has versatile instructions that make it easy to install–even for those who don’t consider themselves super handy around the house. Follow a few steps to cut it to your desired size and secure the right placement. Use a hairdryer to smooth out any wrinkles. Remember how I said I had a flawless application, but this product leaves room for error? (if you skimmed ahead, that's what you get for being impatient). Well, my application was too perfect. It was as tight as a drum, stretched all across each side perfectly. I had no problem removing an entire side at a time and repositioning it so it was half an inch closer to the window (loosening the fit). I didn't do this on ALL 4 sides, just two. After doing this, the sound was gone! Bam! It's still pretty tight, but nowhere like it was before. It still tight enough to where you can't see it unless you have a lamp in the reflection. Otherwise it's invisible. After the film is secure, shrink it with a hairdryer. The result is a surface so transparent you’ll have a clear view of falling snowflakes. As long as you’re careful while removing the tape, you can store the kit to use again next year. Most window insulation kits work the same way: A sheet of heat-shrink plastic or other insulating material is attached to the window panes with double-sided tape or magnetic strips to add a layer of insulation. The best window insulation kits are easy to install and provide an effective barrier to drafts. Windows that have been treated with insulation cannot usually be opened, meaning these kits are a seasonal solution to drafty windows.The tape is rated for temperatures as low as -4°F, which may not be the best option for extra-cold winters.

In short, yes, window film really does work. Although window film isn’t magic, and if your windows suffer from air-leak problems or the insulation in your house isn’t up to a good standard, window film won’t solve your heat retention problems. The kit includes one durable 62 x 210 inches and 84-foot roll of mounting tape that is double-sided to make attaching it easy. Each kit comes with enough material to cover five 3 x 5 windows, so your energy bill is sure to go down. For a window insulator that won’t make it impossible to open your windows–or blurry to look through, the best window insulator is the Yotache Foam Tape Weather Strips. Because they are only attached at the edges. The kits come with clear shrink film that is easy to cut and apply to the inside of your window. You just need a measuring tape, scissors and a hair dryer to install them. The film shrinks tightly around the window frame, creating a smooth and transparent seal. You can still see clearly through the windows and let in natural light.Now, double-glazed windows do possess much better thermal properties than a single pane window, but even double-glazed windows need a helping hand for insulation, and that is where window insulation films step up. Window films have been around for some time, and originally window films were used in commercial settings, before being fine-tuned for the residential house. Made with puncture-resistant shrink film, this 126-inch-long by 62-inch-wide indoor option is perfect for homes with children, pets, and other high traffic and is easy to install and remove cleanly, making it suitable for first timers. For added reliability, this option can be used on painted wood, aluminum, vinyl, and finishes/varnished wood, but it can’t be used on plaster, drywall, or unfinished wood. So my advice, Don't get it drum tight the first time around... And if you do, and experience this noise, just loosen a side or two and it should go away. As it happens, I had perfect application on four 3x5 windows. Flawless. But, I want to talk about something that I've noticed a few others mention that I was curious about myself. (I got on here hoping to find an answer, and I didn't. So I'm going to try to answer it)