Are you looking for ideas on how to block off the sun when you have large windows at home? Or how you can keep the cold out during winter? We've got you covered! We've done the research for you and compiled various suggestions on how to insulate your windows properly.
To insulate very large windows, you can use:
- Magnetic insulation
- Draft snake
- Cellular shades
- Bubble wrap
- Thermal curtains
- Window insulation kits
- Caulk
- Weatherstrips
These materials effectively prevent heat loss and heat gain, making them ideal to use for summer and winter.
Keep on reading to know more tips on insulating your windows so that you won't have to spend more on your energy bills during summer and winter. We'll also tell you whether you should put your plastic insulation inside or outside your windows. Let's begin!
Ways to insulate large glass windows
Large windows add value to a home because they allow more of the natural light to come it. When you open them, fresh air will enter your home. They also provide a great view of the beautiful landscape around you and bring you closer to nature.
These windows also make the room look more spacious since it seems that the interior is connected to the outdoors. However, the larger the window is, the more it'll allow heat to pass through such that it's difficult to keep the house cool during the hot summer months.
They can also allow heat to escape or cold air to enter during winter making your heating system work harder to keep the room temperature warm and comfortable. These can happen when your windows aren't insulated properly.
Good thing there are various ways for you to ensure that your windows are sealed tightly so that no amount of heat or cold can enter unless you voluntarily open the windows to let them in. These measures are helpful in insulating your home come winter or summer.
Here are your options:
Magnetic insulation
This is usually made of vinyl and will easily attach to your windows through magnets. You can coat your window trim with magnetic paint so that the vinyl insulator will stick to it. Magnetic vinyl insulators are available in rolls, so they'll surely come in a size that can fit your large windows.
They are a great option for a temporary insulation solution. You can put them on during summer and winter and take them off when the weather is fine.
Find this magnetic vinyl on Amazon.
Draft snake
These are long cylinders that are made with fabric and then stuffed with insulation materials inside, such as rice and newspaper. They look like long and thin pillows placed at the bottom of the windows. Placing them there prevents air from passing through the holes and gaps along this side of the window.
You can even make your own draft snakes, so you don't have to spend money. Use your old clothes as fillers for this project, and have fun customizing your insulators for your windows!
Click this link to find this draft snake on Amazon.
Cellular shades
If you want a more stylish way to insulate your windows for summer and winter, you can go with cellular shades. They come with built-in pockets that are able to reduce heat gain by 56% during summer and prevent heat loss by 22% during winter.
Check out these cellular shades on Amazon.
These are just some recommended ways to effectively block the heat and prevent cold drafts from your windows all year long.
Is bubble wrap a good insulator?
Many DIYers swear by the effectiveness of bubble wrap in insulating their windows. The material itself has insulating properties. It can raise your window's R-value or its ability to resist heat flow. When your window has a higher R-value, it is better able to trap heat inside your home during winter.
To illustrate, it can raise the R-value of a single pane window from 0.8 to 2.0. Since less heat escapes from your home, you are able to conserve your home's energy consumption.
The downside is that bubble wrap will make your view a little fuzzy. But it'll still allow plenty of light to pass through. If you're okay with this, then you can install bubble wrap on your windows, and the best part is that it's so easy.
Just get the measurement of your windows and purchase the correct bubble wrap size according to the width and length that you need. Lightly spray some water on your window and press the wrap's bubble side against the window.
You can also use double-sided tape if you want to, but water is totally fine. Cut off any excess with the use of a knife. That's it! Easy-peasy, right?
Do thermal lined curtains really work?
Thermal lined curtains are made with multiple layers that all work together to help insulate your windows.
The decorative layer comes in thick fabric with different designs and colors to complement your home's interior style. A foam core is in the middle, made of high-density foam.
This is essential in blocking heat from entering or going out of the room. It also helps absorb sound waves reducing the noise coming from the outside of your home.
The last layer acts as a vapor barrier. As the name suggests, this non-breathable material prevents the thermal curtain from absorbing moisture brought about by condensation on the window's surface.
By being an effective window insulator, thermal curtains will help you save on energy costs. They also offer the added benefits of blocking sunlight, reducing outside noise, and providing you with utmost privacy.
Check out these thermal curtains on Amazon.
Do window insulation kits work in the summer?
Window insulation kits are another budget-friendly option for summer-proofing your homes. These are made of a thin layer of plastic, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET). They are easy to install on your windows.
Just tape them on your extra-large windows, and they'll effectively block off heat coming from the outside. Thus, they help make your home cooler in the summer.
Click this link to find this window insulation kit on Amazon.
Aside from controlling heat transfer, these window insulating films serve as a protection against the harsh UV rays that can cause fading of your furniture and carpet.
They work great for winter, too, as they will keep the heat from escaping, so you get to save on your energy costs. It's best to use solar control films for summer and convection control films for winter. They are easy to install and remove, so this shouldn't be a problem for you.
What to use to seal inside windows?
Windows is one location where a house loses the most amount of heat. And we all know that when heat is allowed to get in or out, it means that the house needs to consume more energy to maintain the desired temperature.
That's why it is always a good idea to seal your windows to make sure that there are no gaps and cracks along their lengths. Any kind of opening, no matter how big or small, will allow air to pass through.
There are two inexpensive but equally effective ways to seal and insulate the inside of your windows. You can do this by caulking and weatherstripping.
Caulking is recommended to use around your window frames or those parts that don't move. It will effectively seal small cracks and openings.
Find this silicone caulk on Amazon.
Meanwhile, you are advised to put a weatherstrip around the operable parts of your windows. These are more flexible, allowing you to open or close your windows as needed.
Check out this weatherstrip seal for windows on Amazon.
Is it better to put plastic on the inside or outside of windows?
Plastic for windows is readily available on the market. It offers an affordable but efficient solution for your insulation problems.
It is a thin and transparent material that is very similar to the plastic wrap used for food. But of course, the plastic for windows is more durable and has better quality than those used for food coverings.
It is very easy to install. It is placed between the window and the locks and handles, so there's no need for additional trimming just to make it fit properly.
You can opt to put the plastic either inside or outside the window when it comes to installation. It's your choice, but of course, you need to be aware of the consequences of choosing each side.
When you put the plastic outside your window, you need to make sure that it is made of tougher and more durable plastic material. It is expected that it will be subjected to extreme weather conditions. It may also affect the overall look of your exterior since having plastic over the windows isn't necessarily pleasing to the eye.
Putting plastic on the interior side of the window will solve the aesthetic issue. Since it is transparent, it won't affect your view of the outdoors. And because they are inside, they aren't directly exposed to heavy rains, snow, and strong winds. This is why more homeowners prefer installing plastic on the window's interior side.
Final Thoughts
There are different ways to insulate your windows for summer and winter. Just choose which one will suit your needs and budget so that you can make your home comfy while helping you save on energy bills.
For more resources regarding home insulation, you may visit the following links: