Want to insulate your home against the cold? How about bubble wrapping the windows to prevent heat loss?

Did one of your friends tell you about using bubble wrap on the windows? Are you thinking what the fuss is really about? Is it a practical option or just a passing trend? Will it help keep the cold out and warmth in?

Well, the answer is YES!

Using bubble wrap is one of the easiest methods to reduce heat loss and decrease your heating bills. Did you know windows are considered as one of the biggest sources of heat loss?

Using bubble wrap on the windows eliminates the need for blow-drying, taping, using plastic, or investing in the expensive window kits. This is a fast, easy, and hassle-free method that can be used within seconds.

Does the idea of applying bubble wrap to your windows appeal to you? If so, make sure to read till the end!

Material Required

Things you will need to bubble wrap your windows include:

  • Scissors
  • Rolls of large bubbled wrap
  • Spray mister

You can easily purchase bubble wrap at Walmart or at any online store that sells home hardware material. Doing an online research will help you save some money as you will be able to compare the prices. However, if you can find bubble wrap at your local store, it will help you save on the shipping cost.

Bubble Wrap Buying Tips

When buying bubble wrap, keep these tips in mind!

  • Measure Carefully

    Before you choose to buy bubble wrap, make sure to measure the average width of your windows. This will help you make the right decision as if the roll is too narrow, it won’t cover the window pane.

    It is always better to order a wider roll rather than investing in a narrow roll of bubble wrap. You can always cut down a wider roll to fit your requirements instead of taping together pieces of sheets to ensure the wrap is wide enough.

  • Large Bubbles

    Choose a bubble wrap that comes with large bubbles to create a protective layer and help retain the heat in a better manner.

  • Perforated Wrap May not Work for Everyone

    While perforated wrap can be easily torn off the roll, making working easier with panels, it is not for everyone. If you are ordering perforated wrap, make sure you know the height of each piece. Most rolls separate at lengths of every 12 inches. If you have windows that are not very tall, this can be undesirable.

    The idea of using bubble wrap is the ease of use and no tape. However, if you need to tape extra pieces together, or cut it short, what is the benefit then?

  • Bubble Wrap Sizing

    Bubble wraps are available in different widths and lengths. It can vary from 12’’ to 24’’ in width and from 125’ to 175’ in length. Before you order, decide on what best fits your needs.

Is It Effective?

Are you skeptical about using the bubble wrap to insulate the house? If so, you are not alone!

People are often skeptical about the effectiveness of the bubble wrap. However, some sources claim that using a bubble wrap on a single pane window can reduce heat loss by up to 50 percent. On the double pane window, the heat loss is estimated to be at around 20 percent.

Bubble wrap does help in keeping the rooms warmer and those who use it can experience the real difference.

How To Use Bubble Wrap?

Depending on your requirements, you can choose between perforated and non-perforated bubble wrap. However, we will suggest using non-perforated bubble wrap if you have taller windows.

You can use sharp scissors to cut the wrap into the desired size. If some of your windows are of the same size, you can use the first piece you cut as a guide.

Bubble wrap is sturdier than the standard thin plastic sheet that often comes in the window kits. Moreover, as the bubble wrap is stiffer, it becomes easier to work with it.

Applying bubble wrap to the window is easy. All you need to do is mist and press.

  • Set the mister nozzle to fine and spray the water on to your window.
  • Next, lightly spray the bubbles side of the panel with water. Starting on the outer edge work towards the center. The entire surface should be covered with mist.
  • Place the wrap over the window and line it up at the top. Gently press the bubble wrap to the pane using your palms to ensure that it sticks all the way down.
  • That’s it. The wrap will stick to the window and you can work on the next window.

Alternatively, you can use a damp cloth to stick the bubble wrap on the window if you don’t have a spray bottle.

Removing Bubble Wrap From Window

When the heating season is over, you can remove the bubble wrap from the window without leaving any residue.

Start from a corner and pull out the sheet. The sheet will come out easily and there will be no sticky tape residue. You can clean your window with a damp cloth.

Pros and Cons

Everything comes with its set of advantages and disadvantages.

Pros

There are plenty of pros or using bubble wrap. Some of them are:

  • Let’s the light into the room in dark winter months
  • It is effective in preventing heat loss
  • Can be purchased easily
  • It is a cost-effective method
  • Helps reduce heating costs
  • Is an easy method to cover the windows

Cons

It does come with its set of cons. They are:

  • Reduced Visibility

It is always suggested to remove bubble wrap during spring to avoid degrading the quality of plastic over time. Moreover, removing the panels in spring allows you to enjoy the outside views from your window.

Now that you know a lot about bubble wrapping your windows, are you going to try it during winter?