Insulating Windows Cheaply

This is a pretty ingenious thing i found at builditsolar.com

In many modern homes to cut down on energy consumption 2-3 pan windows are used to use the trapped air as the main insulation in the windows.  As you know just like in clothing the trapped air is what holds heat and keeps you warm, well bubble wrap does the same pretty well.

What the guy at builditsolar.com does is put bubble wrap up on the windows of the unused rooms in the house, bathroom, guest rooms, etc.  They pull it down when guests get there and put it back up when they leave.

The bubble wrap of course obscures vision but it still lets a lot of the light through, so even in some rooms that you do use, you can put this up and still have a decent amount of natural light come in during the day.

HOW TO

• Cut the Bubble wrap to the size of the window
• Spray a light coat of water on the window (use a old cleaned spray bottle filled with water)
• Put the Bubble wrap on when the window is still wet and press it into place, Bubble side towards glass
• To remove just grab a corner and pull it off.

Notes:

• If you have issues with pulling it off next time add a bit of Glycerin to the water, it doesn’t leave stains on the windows
• A few small pieces of double sided tape can help to stick to “pain” windows
• Install in Fall, Remove in Spring
• When you take the Bubble wrap down put a number on a corner of it and write down what window the number corresponds to.  The following year it wont be a puzzle you are trying to put together.
• Save the bubble wrap from packages you get
• Check places that sell large items (get it for free)
• Check for Wholesale packing supply chains in your area
• Buy it online

To me this a great, cheap, DIY alternative to expensive window insulation.  True it looks ugly but if there’s a SHTF scenario you wont care in the winter months.  I would personally cut sizes for this for the whole home and store it away with enough to make a second set, even if you have triple pane glass.  Why? because even with the best the market can offer this will still add another layer, and warm up your house even further.

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