Insulate Your Windows This Fall

Photo: rpeschetz

If the school buses and falling leaves are any indication, chilly weather is just around the corner. Before Old Man Winter makes his official debut in south central Pennsylvania, now is the time to think about insulating windows.

A little work now will keep homes warm and cozy this winter — without a sky-high utility bill. Without weatherproofing experience, tackling window insulation might seem like a big task. However, with a little know-how and the right supplies, fixing up those drafty windows can happen in no time flat.

Paper or Plastic?

Many apartments that are full of character have gorgeous eight-foot high, single-pane windows that let in a ton of light — and let out a lot of heat. There are a few options when it comes to getting them ready for the cold months ahead.

One option: Buy a window insulation kit from a local hardware store. The kit will come with large rolls of plastic that are attached with double-sided tape. The plastic is then shrink-wrapped to the window with a hair dryer to lock in heat and keep the drafts out.

Dress Up Your Windows

If hours spent with a hairdryer sounds like too much work, consider curtains –but not the frilly, lacy kind your grandmother uses in her living room. Invest in heavy, thermal drapes that will keep heat in and the cold out.

Drapes, while effective, can be expensive and will also block out any wintertime sunshine. Honeycomb shades can be just as effective — and expensive — but won’t block out natural light.

Smaller Scale Fixes

For insulating windows on a budget, consider rubber sealing. Generally inexpensive and available at local home improvement stores, strips can be cut to fit the cracks around windows. Bonus: The white will blend in to existing frames.

Draft stoppers can be a great temporary fix for inefficient windows. Available in a variety of colors and sizes, the draft stopper will block cold air from coming into homes. DIYers can even make their own stoppers using fabric scraps filled with sand or cat litter.