This Genius & Cheap Window Trick That Keeps Heat Inside All Winter, by Ray Donnelly DIY on YouTube. 19 min 33 s.
- Video length
- 19 min 33 s
- Time to do it
- 45 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 7
What you need
Steps
Measure the glass and frame so you know how much film to cut. Wipe the frame and glass with a damp cloth, then let it dry fully so the tape sticks.
Peel the double-sided tape and press it around the frame, right against the glass edge. Run it in one continuous strip with no gaps at the corners.
Cut the film about 3 cm larger than the taped area on each side. Lay it over the frame and press it onto the top tape first, pulling gently as you work down.
Smooth the film from the centre outwards to push out wrinkles. Small creases are fine because the heat step tightens the film.
Hold a hairdryer on the hot setting about 15 cm from the film. Sweep it slowly across the whole sheet until the film pulls tight and the creases disappear.
Press the film down again along all edges and check for lifting corners. For single glazing, tape a layer of bubble wrap, bubbles facing the room, behind curtains.
Leave trickle vents, air bricks and any boiler or stove flue clear. Remove the film in spring and lift the tape gently so the paint stays intact.
Tips and common mistakes
Never seal a room so tightly that vents or air bricks are blocked, as boilers and stoves need airflow.
Warm, dry air inside the film layer means less condensation on the glass, but trapped damp can still form, so air the room now and then.
Keep the hairdryer moving, because holding it in one spot can melt or tear the film.
Double glazing gains less from this trick, so check the seals first if the room still feels cold.
Questions
Does window film stop condensation?
It usually reduces it, because the inner surface of the film stays warmer than bare glass. Any moisture that does collect sits between the film and the glass, so dry that area when you take the film down.
How much heat will I actually save?
It depends on your glazing, draughts and how much of the window you cover. Most people notice warmer rooms and fewer cold draughts rather than a fixed saving.
Can I use it on double glazed windows?
Yes, and it does no harm. The gain is smaller than on single glazing, so fix draughty seals and gaps first.
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.
