DIY fans, rejoice! Window insulation is not supposed to be a forever fix. It’s more of a tactic to help cut the cost of your energy bill when you can’t afford to replace or upgrade your windows. For the most part, the only tools you should need include a measuring tape, scissors, and a hairdryer. 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. The Frost King Extra Large Window Insulation Kit is the best window insulation kit if you’re needing to insulate two large picture windows or if you have multiple small windows. It comes with two 62 x 210-inch plastic sheets with 168 feet of double-sided mounting tape, which is enough to cover two picture windows or 10 separate windows without fear of running out. If you want to insulate your garage doors or windows all year long, the best window insulation kit is the Reach Barrier 3009 Garage Door Insulation Kit. It keeps the temperature moderate in your garage, so you can comfortably utilize the extra space for a home gym or hangout.

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.” 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. 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. 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. At the end of the season, remove any residue left by the mounting tape immediately with rubbing alcohol.

Confused about how to get started? We can help.

Tip: Since the suction cups have rings on them, this option can also be used for hanging Christmas lights, decor, or other lightweight wall hangings. Window insulation kits create an effective barrier that prevents cold outside air from getting into a home. Heat-shrink film applied to the window pane with double-sided tape creates an air gap that works like a thermal window. Q. What is the difference between window insulation kits and insulated curtains? Several window insulation product types are on the market: plastic film, magnetic barriers, and reflective foil insulation.

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. 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.

Installation & Instruction

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 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. It's important to consider the sizes and number of windows you want to cover, research different materials, and settle on a price you’re willing to pay before you go shopping. 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. Still have questions about choosing the best window insulation kits? Here’s some more information to help you decide. Q. How does a window insulation kit work?

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. 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. Window insulation kits function by creating an air barrier between the interior living space and the window,” says Elias Benson of the Building Construction Technology Department at the New England Institute of Technology. “This air barrier works well as insulation because it prevents cold air from entering while allowing sunlight in.” The kit comes with Scotch film tape to keep cold drafts out and warm air in, which will reduce your heating costs during the cold winter months. The film shrinks tight around your door frame and is made to reduce condensation and prevent frost build-up. The film creates a perfectly transparent, wrinkle-free fit.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. In general, Shaver says that installing insulation on the inside of a window is going to be more effective. He notes, “This placement creates a dead air space helping to reduce heat loss and improve energy efficiency.” Unlike window insulator kits that won’t allow you to open your windows or can be annoying to look through, they won’t obstruct your view and you can still open your windows. 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 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.”