Does A Plastic Sheet On A Window Actually Work

I also discovered something bad though.

Does a plastic sheet on a window actually work.

I just got out of the shower now and it was great first time in my life i didn t freeze my ass off. Ok yeh they def do work thanks guys for all the confirmation. Yes plastic window film kits are often installed with considerably larger spacing but they are also commonly installed on less than ideal windows where they stop actual drafts. If you have old windows yes plastic will help.

Yes but mostly for windows that are old or are in bad condition. This kit by 3m a leader in consumer products insulates up to five windows and the company claims it lowers heating costs and saves energy. The main purpose of window plastic is to prevent outside drafts from getting into your home and keepheated and cooled air inside. Any multi pane system comes with a very basic tradeoff more panes less light.

In fact they recommend it in their energy saving tips. Sandy shoaf ipl communications administrator recommends purchasing window film and a window insulation kit from a hardware store. In theory it sounds like a great idea the plastic works as another layer for your windows to improve your home s energy efficiency. When you re dealing with old drafty windows you essentially have two options.

If installed well using plastic heat shrink films can provide three key areas of benefit. Putting plastic film over a window is. Rather it is the trapped air between the window and the plastic sheet which adds an insulating layer much like an extra pane of glass. It will help stop air leaks but you can do that with cheap caulk and weatherstripping without sacrificing the ability to open the windows.

Applying plastic over windows project this page details how to install shrink to fit plastic wrap over existing windows. The problem lies when it s used as a supplement for functioning windows. Sunlight on the roof and coming through windows is a far bigger issue than heat exchange in the summer 45 55 of the cooling load in air conditioned homes and window plastic won t help with that. When i was shaving i was glancing over at the plastic on the window and had noticed the plastic would inflate and deflate almost like a flat balloon.

Replace them or seal them with insulating window film a k a. The optimal size of air gap is between and of an inch. The sheet of plastic itself isn t particularly insulating. The use of plastic heat shrink window coverings is an easy effective and inexpensive window option.

Instead of buying the plastic window kits you might want to try getting a roll of heavy plastic and stapling it on around the windows. But don t just duct tape plastic trash bags around your windows and call it a job well done.