Winter weather can be tough. When you retire to your bedroom, you want to escape the chill. Instead, you may walk into a cold room with icy air seeping through your window panes. If this sounds familiar, you are probably looking for a solution and wondering how to insulate your bedroom windows. We did the research to find the best ways to insulate bedroom windows.
Insulating bedroom windows is a fairly cheap and easy process. Instead of hiring professionals, you can try the following:
- Heat-shrinking film
- Caulking
- Weather stripping
- Spray foam
There is still a lot to learn, so stick around as we discuss other questions and concerns you may have, including why your windows are cold, how to make your windows more energy efficient, if plastic really helps, and much more.
Insulating Bedroom Windows
Your bedroom should be a cozy retreat from daily stress. However, if your windows are not properly insulated, your space could become a chilly nightmare. If you notice that your bedroom is colder than normal or feel cool air seeping in from your windows, cranking up the heat is not the answer.
The cold air is only going to continue invading your space, and increasing the heat will cause even more energy loss along with higher heating bills.
Instead, it's time to re-evaluate your window insulation. Unlike wall and attic insulation which can last for the life of your home, you should check your windows for damage and air leaks each year before winter arrives.
Preparation
Before installing any insulation on your windows, you will need to clean them thoroughly. Wash the window panes, making sure to clean all areas around the windows as well as nooks and crevices.
Do not apply any type of insulation product to your windows until they have completely dried. Once the area is dry, grab a measuring tape along with a pen and paper so that you can jot down your window measurements. Include numbers for the window sill, frame, and trim.
Types of Window Insulation
There are several different types of window insulation. The kind you choose will depend on your personal preference and how much protection your windows need. Some methods will allow the windows to open; however, others will require the windows to stay shut for the duration of winter.
Heat-Shrinking Film
Most window insulation kits feature heat-shrinking film that goes on the window. This film is very similar to the shrink wrap used in kitchens for storing food. These are typically affordable but do not allow for the window to be used. At the end of the winter season, you will remove the plastic.
Before beginning the installation process, you will need to cut the plastic to the size of your window. On the interior side of the window, apply strips of double-sided tape along all sides.
Take your cut sheet of insulation film, placing it carefully on the window. Make sure to line it up properly with the tape to fight against bubbles and creases. Once in place, use a hair dryer to shrink the film securely to the window.
Click here to see this shrink film for windows on Amazon.
Caulking
Before you begin caulking your window seal, you should peel off any old sealant residue. The rest is simple. Insert your choice of adhesive into a caulking gun. Then, you will apply the silicone around all the outer edges between the window and the wall.
Although you can also seal the bottom of the window shut, it is more feasible to leave that area uninsulated or use a draft stopper at the bottom. This will allow you to open the window if needed.
Click here to see this window caulk on Amazon.
Weather Stripping
Weather stripping is one of the easiest methods of insulating bedroom windows. The strips come with a layer of adhesive on one side. All you have to do is cut the strip to the desired length, peel away the backing, and press the strip along the sides and bottom of the window pane.
Click here to see this weather stripping on Amazon.
Spray Foam
Spray foam is not a visually appealing option. Depending on your technique and the color of the product, it can be unsightly. Some spray foam products require the use of foam spray guns. However, many come in spray cans with long spouts. Keep in mind that a little goes a long way.
Before creating a strip along your window seal, apply a small dot in a hidden area. This will give you an idea of how much the foam will expand, helping you avoid huge clumps. Once you are confident in your technique, apply the foam around the window seals.
Click here to see this spray foam on Amazon.
Why are my windows so cold?
Cold windows are not necessarily a sign of improper insulation. When it is cold outside, the window is in direct contact with the outside air.
Although the exterior of the glass will be colder than the interior, the inside of the window will still be cold to the touch. This will occur even if you have proper heating and insulation.
Do rooms with windows get colder?
In general, rooms with windows should not get colder than rooms without windows. If your bedroom is colder than other rooms, it's time to check your window insulation. If you feel a draft coming through, use the previously mentioned techniques to seal your windows.
Why do I get condensation on the outside of my windows?
Condensation is a natural occurrence that happens when an object is cooler than the surrounding atmosphere. On a day when the weather is nice without being overly hot or cold, condensation will form on the outside of the windows.
This is because the outside air is coming in contact with the cold window. However, if the condensation is on the inside of your window, you need to look into your home's ventilation system.
Does plastic over windows really help insulate?
Applying plastic over windows really does help. However, you must install the plastic properly for it to be successful. Make sure the plastic fits snuggly over your windows, reaching all corners. It is also important to clean windows before applying the plastic film.
Additionally, you cannot just smooth some shrink wrap over your windows and leave it at that. Instead, use double-sided tape to ensure a secure seal around the frame. The plastic should not be loose. Once it is in place, use a hair dryer on a warm setting to shrink the film to the window.
How can you make windows more energy efficient?
If you want to make your windows more energy efficient, regular maintenance and repair are a must. Although the methods mentioned earlier will help prevent air from slipping through the cracks of your windows, this is only a temporary solution.
In most cases, silicone caulk only lasts up to five years; however, you should check it each year before winter arrives.
Over time, windows will deteriorate. Older windows sometimes have wooden frames. If this wood begins to degrade or rot, it will lessen the energy efficiency of the window.
You should routinely look for chips and other damage in paint and varnishes, removing the worn-out coats and replacing them with new ones. Keep a lookout for cracks in the glass as well. If this occurs, replace the broken glass to prevent air seepage.
Even with proper maintenance, windows will not last forever. You will eventually need to replace them. In fact, newer windows are equipped with more energy-efficient technology, including low emissivity glass.
This glass is exceptional because it blocks the sun's rays during the summer, keeping the room cooler. Low emissivity glass is also effective during the winter, keeping the warm air trapped inside. Other notable features of newer windows include tints, gas fills, and reflective coating.
In Closing
Cold bedrooms can create an uncomfortable sleeping environment and also increase the cost of your heating bill. You do not have to purchase new windows to keep the cold air out. Instead, you can use window insulation kits, silicone caulk, weather strips, and spray foam to help keep your bedroom warm.
For more information regarding cold windows and energy efficiency, check out these other posts:
How To Insulate Single-Pane Windows [4 Methods To Try]