Alaskans Do This to Every Window Before Winter (And the Heat Stays In), by Gene Halvorsen on YouTube. 13 min 38 s.
- Video length
- 13 min 38 s
- Time to do it
- 1 to 2 hours
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Pick a windy day. Light an incense stick and slowly move it around each window frame, the sash edges and the lock. Where the smoke bends or pulls sideways, air is getting in.
Mark each leaky spot with a small piece of tape so you remember where to seal. Check every window in the rooms you use most.
Press removable rope caulk into the leaky seams around the sash and frame. Painter's tape works too for gaps you want to open again in spring.
Choose the two worst windows. Clean the frame and let it dry fully before you stick anything to it.
Tape the film to the window frame, not the glass. Run the tape around all four sides so the film is sealed flat.
Shrink the film tight with a hair dryer on a low setting, sweeping back and forth until the wrinkles pull out.
Hang heavy curtains that reach the sill. Close them at dusk to trap heat and open them on sunny days to let the sun warm the room.
For a quick extra layer, press bubble wrap against the glass with the bubbles facing the room. Mist the glass lightly first so it sticks.
Tips and common mistakes
Never seal a bedroom window shut. It is an emergency exit and must still open.
Use a hair dryer only on the film. A heat gun can melt or burn it.
This routine slows leaks but will not fix a cracked or fogged double pane or a rotted frame. Those need repair or replacement.
Keep vents and alarms clear. Do not tape over them.
Questions
Will this work in a rental?
Yes. Rope caulk and painter's tape peel off, and the film kit tapes to the frame, so you can remove it all in spring without damage.
How much does it cost?
The creator says the whole routine runs under thirty dollars: about six for rope caulk, four for tape, twelve for a film kit and nine for thrift-store curtains.
Can I use this on double-pane windows?
Yes, as long as the seal is intact. If the glass is cracked or fogged inside, the pane needs replacing and film will not help.
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.
