The £5 Window Trick That Keeps Your House Warmer All Winter, by Steve Collins on YouTube. 16 min 40 s.
- Video length
- 16 min 40 s
- Time to do it
- 20 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Check where the cold comes from. Hold your hand near the glass and around the frame. Cold glass means the window needs insulation. A draught at the edges means you should fix the seals first.
Clean the glass with a damp cloth and let it dry. Dust and grease stop the bubble wrap from sticking and holding flat against the pane.
Cut a piece of bubble wrap slightly larger than the glass. Keep the bubbles facing the room for a small extra air gap.
Spray the glass lightly with water. The water helps the bubble wrap cling to the pane without glue.
Press the bubble wrap onto the wet glass, smooth side against the window, and push out any air pockets.
Tape the edges of the bubble wrap to the frame with clear tape. Press the tape down firmly so cold air cannot get behind it.
Repeat on the other cold windows. Leave at least one window in each room uncovered so you can open it for ventilation.
Check the wrap after a few days. If water collects between the wrap and the glass, peel a corner back and dry it, or remove the wrap if the condensation is heavy.
Tips and common mistakes
Bubble wrap is a temporary fix and will not match double glazing, so use it on the coldest windows only.
Watch for condensation. Trapped moisture can lead to damp and mould, so keep rooms ventilated.
Fix draughts around the frame with sealant or draught excluder before adding window insulation.
Check loft hatch, doors and curtains for gaps too, as warm air often escapes there.
Questions
Does bubble wrap on windows really keep heat in?
It adds a thin layer of trapped air next to the glass, which slows heat loss and makes the window feel less cold. The effect is modest and works best on single glazing.
Can I leave bubble wrap on the windows all winter?
You can, but check for condensation regularly. If moisture builds up, remove the wrap or ventilate the room to avoid damp.
Will this work on double glazing?
It can help a little if the glass still feels cold, but double glazing already traps air. Fix draughts and seals first before adding bubble wrap.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
