How to Cheaply Insulate Windows

Here are a number of easy to use strategies on how to cheaply insulate windows. Whether you are trying to keep out the winter cold or summer heat, the windows are a key area to insulate in order to reduce energy costs as well as making a home more comfortable. These cheap methods of insulating windows can help a homeowner save a lot of money on wasted heating and cooling bills.

One of the simplest and most inexpensive ways to insulate windows is through the use of heavy curtains. Though heavy window curtains will generally block out sunlight, the heavy curtains will also help to block drafts and insulate windows that are drafty. Mounting the curtains as close to the walls as possible will help to make them more efficient insulators. Another tip regarding curtains is to make certain that the air conditioner or heater vents are not blowing behind the curtains.

The use of the curtains to control sunlight is a free way to better control the heat in a room. Simply by opening the curtains during the daytime in the winter to allow in warm sunlight, and keeping them closed on summer days to keep the heat out will help to control energy usage and costs.

Another way to cheaply insulate windows is through the use of plastic sheeting to stop drafts and to create an insulating pocket of air on the window. Either the old fashioned plastic sheeting that is taped or otherwise secured over a window or the newer shrink plastic that makes a move pleasing finished product. Both standard plastic and shrink wrap plastic will blur the window to some degree with the shrink wrap generally being clearer. Both types are also cheap ways to insulate windows with the shrink wrap style being somewhat more expensive but still quite economical.

When windows have significant gaps that allow air to pass around them, the use of foam rubber sealing strips and spray foam are both useful methods to cheaply insulate windows. Sealing strips can be cut to length and can be used to block drafts that move between the window and frame. Spray foam insulation can be used to block drafts that move around the window through small openings.

These are just a few of the many ways to cheaply insulate windows. Use them to help to reduce energy use and see how much money you can save.