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They prevent the heat in your home from leaking out, which prevents your heating bill from skyrocketing.
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
This air barrier works well as insulation because it prevents cold air from entering while allowing sunlight in.
With so many variables, choosing the best window insulation kit can be overwhelming the first time.
But once you know what to look for, the job is a cinch.
Credit: Amazon
It can be a little tricky to figure out how to measure the correct dimensions.
To avoid any mishaps, follow the directions carefully before making your first cut.
After the film is secure, shrink it with a hairdryer.
Credit: Amazon
The result is a surface so transparent youll have a clear view of falling snowflakes.
It is safe to use on painted or finished wood, aluminum, or vinyl.
The tape will block out temps as cold as -4F.
Credit: Walmart
Installing the tape is easy, as you apply it by simply pressing it onto your windows.
Its also resistant to punctures, making it a durable choice.
It tears easily, cannot be reused, and the tape can leave a residue.
Credit: Amazon
Despite fitting larger windows, the kit is still available at an affordable price.
Its a budget buy, but its effective, Dominguez says.
Installation is easy but may require a ladder and a partner.
Credit: Amazon
Its worth noting that your surfaces must be clean, dry, and grease-free for the adhesive to stick.
The mounting tape should not be applied to wallpaper, wallboard, plaster, or veneer surfaces.
It can be easily installed on metal, painted, varnished wood, or vinyl-cladwindow frames.
Credit: Amazon
At the end of the season, remove any residue left by the mounting tape immediately with rubbing alcohol.
The mounting tape can leave a sticky residue and isnt safe for all surfaces.
Its no secret that all-glasssliding patio doorscan make a home feel cold as ice in the dead of winter.
Credit: Amazon
The film shrinks tight around your door frame and is made toreduce condensationand preventfrost build-up.
The film creates a perfectly transparent, wrinkle-free fit.
When the temps start to rise, removing the tape and shrink film is easy.
But be sure to see if the tape leaves any sticky residue behind.
If it does, apply adhesive remover as soon as possible.
High winds can take their toll on the plastic, making them difficult to reuse.
Simply measure, cut, tape, shrink, and trim.
We were pleased to learn that it pulls just as tight and clear as the indoor options.
Installation is time-consuming and can be confusing.
Once installed its permanent.
We didn’t love that even though the instructions are simple, it’s time-consuming.
Theres a lot of measuring and rechecking.
It takes also takes 24 hours to stick.
The adhesive could be stronger.
The kit contains two rolls of 6 1/2 foot foam tape.
They are easy to bend, cut, and shape, making them highly customizable.
Its worth noting that the adhesive on these strips wont last forever.
Cleaning the surface before sticking it on will help with longevity.
You’ll need to clean the surface to ensure the strip sticks.
The strip can be placed either indoors or outdoors.
The strip comes in three colorsblack, white, and brownto blend in with your window’s frame.
Plus, it saves money in both the short and long term, making it a soundyet incredibly affordableinvestment.
Some kits are plastic, magnetic, and have reflective foil.
They all have different levels of thickness, dimensions, and rules for installation.
The heat from the hair dryer essentially shrink-wraps the film to the window frame.
They are typically trickier to install, have a loose seal, and have low ratings.
Its for this reason that no magnetic insulation kits made this list.
Reflective Foil
Reflective foil insulation kits use thin metal to create a barrier to keep cold air out.
They also tend to be more expensive.
Suggested Use (Indoor vs.
He notes, This placement creates a dead air space helping to reduce heat loss and improve energy efficiency.
While you could typically use the film interchangeably, it’s the tape that can make the difference.
Outdoor tapes may be too strong and could damage your surfaces during removal.
Installation
DIY fans, rejoice!
Window insulation is not supposed to be a forever fix.
You’ll notice some differences between shrink window insulation kits when it comes to theirapplication process.
“Both work equally well, and choosing one or the other comes down to personal preference.”
Youre going to want someone to help you install your kit, he says.
Installation is easy, but its not a one-person job.
Youll appreciate having help from a friend the first time.
Your Questions, Answered
How do window insulation kits work?
This trapping of air is called airlock and it’s essential to creating a boundary.
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.
How thick should window insulation be?
As far as thickness goes, he says window insulation kits will vary.
Do insulation kits work in the summer?
(Think of reflectors people put on the dash in their car.)
But you wouldnt use these in your living room because they would block your view.
Instead, using light-coloredthermal blocking curtainswould be a better bet.
Shut them during peak sunlight hours to save energy and stay cool.
