If you prefer to install a film on the exterior of your home, the best window insulator kit is the 3M Outdoor Window Insulator Kit. It was specially developed to withstand the elements, though it will most likely only last one year and shouldn’t be reused. Installation is easy but may require a ladder and a partner. Once the insulation is secured and heat is applied with a hairdryer the film will shrink to be crystal clear, tight, and wrinkle-free. Unlike window insulator kits that won’t allow you to open your windows or can be annoying to look through, they won’t obstruct your view and you can still open your windows. The kit includes one durable 62 x 210 inches and 84-foot roll of mounting tape that is double-sided to make attaching it easy. Each kit comes with enough material to cover five 3 x 5 windows, so your energy bill is sure to go down.

Plastic film insulation kits are the easiest and most cost-effective way to seal off your windows. These kits include double-sided tape and a plastic film that is attached to a window and then shrunk with a hair dryer to create an airtight seal. At the end of the season, remove any residue left by the mounting tape immediately with rubbing alcohol. The tape is rated for temperatures as low as -4°F, which may not be the best option for extra-cold winters.

Installation & Instruction

Keep in mind that it’s not recommended for use with plaster, drywall, or unfinished wood because the tape can pull up those surfaces. It is safe to use on painted or finished wood, aluminum, or vinyl. The kit also has versatile instructions that make it easy to install–even for those who don’t consider themselves super handy around the house. Follow a few steps to cut it to your desired size and secure the right placement. Use a hairdryer to smooth out any wrinkles. The kit comes with Scotch film tape to keep cold drafts out and warm air in, which will reduce your heating costs during the cold winter months. The film shrinks tight around your door frame and is made to reduce condensation and prevent frost build-up. The film creates a perfectly transparent, wrinkle-free fit. If you want to insulate your garage doors or windows all year long, the best window insulation kit is the Reach Barrier 3009 Garage Door Insulation Kit. It keeps the temperature moderate in your garage, so you can comfortably utilize the extra space for a home gym or hangout.

With the exception of a ladder and an extension cord to reach it, this insulator kit is installed the same way–and just as easily–as an indoor kit. Simply measure, cut, tape, shrink, and trim. We were pleased to learn that it pulls just as tight and clear as the indoor options.

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In general, Shaver says that installing insulation on the inside of a window is going to be more effective. He notes, “This placement creates a dead air space helping to reduce heat loss and improve energy efficiency.” It's important to consider the sizes and number of windows you want to cover, research different materials, and settle on a price you’re willing to pay before you go shopping. Most window insulation kits work the same way: A sheet of heat-shrink plastic or other insulating material is attached to the window panes with double-sided tape or magnetic strips to add a layer of insulation. The best window insulation kits are easy to install and provide an effective barrier to drafts. Windows that have been treated with insulation cannot usually be opened, meaning these kits are a seasonal solution to drafty windows. Window insulation kits create an effective barrier that prevents cold outside air from getting into a home. Heat-shrink film applied to the window pane with double-sided tape creates an air gap that works like a thermal window. Q. What is the difference between window insulation kits and insulated curtains?

DIY fans, rejoice! Window insulation is not supposed to be a forever fix. It’s more of a tactic to help cut the cost of your energy bill when you can’t afford to replace or upgrade your windows. For the most part, the only tools you should need include a measuring tape, scissors, and a hairdryer. This article was written by Belle DuChene, an award-winning digital content producer and stylist who is often seen in Better Homes & Gardens home and garden videos, and Brittany VanDerBill, a contributing writer with over six years of experience. Brittany is a regular contributor to Better Homes & Gardens, specializing home appliances and cleaning products.Read on for shopping considerations when selecting this type of window treatment and to learn why these are among the best window insulation kits available. You'll notice some differences between shrink window insulation kits when it comes to their application process. "There are two basic types of shrink window kits: one with a pre-taped top [that] rolls out and the other with flat folded film which requires all four sides of the window to be taped before placing the film against it," Shaver says. "Both work equally well, and choosing one or the other comes down to personal preference." Bob Vila has been America’s Handyman since 1979. As the host of beloved and groundbreaking TV series including “This Old House” and “Bob Vila’s Home Again,” he popularized and became synonymous with “do-it-yourself” home improvement.

Some window insulation kits claim to reduce a home’s energy consumption by up to 35 percent. While that’s a significant savings, users will want to install these products carefully and on every leaky window to experience their true potential. Why Trust Bob Vila Foam tape window insulation works by creating an airtight seal around the edges of windows,” Shaver says. “The foam tape, which has adhesive on one side, is applied to the window frame and if necessary to the top and bottom of the two sashes. When the window is closed, it compresses, producing a seal that acts as a barrier against drafts and heat loss.” Keep in mind that foam tape generally isn’t designed to last multiple seasons, but it can be an excellent option if you’d rather not have plastic film covering your windows.

For a window insulator that won’t make it impossible to open your windows–or blurry to look through, the best window insulator is the Yotache Foam Tape Weather Strips. Because they are only attached at the edges. Because heat travels from hot to cold areas, the heat generated by a home heating system will leak out to the colder environment,” Benson says. “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.” Keep in mind that high winds can cause small wrinkles in the film and after a long winter of wind, it most likely can’t be reused. Window insulation kits function by creating an air barrier between the interior living space and the window,” says Elias Benson of the Building Construction Technology Department at the New England Institute of Technology. “This air barrier works well as insulation because it prevents cold air from entering while allowing sunlight in.”