Cold Windows? This $4 Trick Keeps More Heat Inside Your Home!, by Simple secrets Daily on YouTube. 11 min 3 s.
- Video length
- 11 min 3 s
- Time to do it
- 2 hours
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Check each window for drafts. Hold a lit incense stick or your hand near the frame, trim and sash on a windy day. Note where cold air comes in.
Clean the glass and frame with a damp cloth and let them dry. Bubble wrap and film stick better on a clean, dust-free surface.
Cut bubble wrap to the glass size, bubbles facing the glass. Spray the glass lightly with water and press the wrap on. It holds by static and water alone.
Seal cracks around the window trim with caulk. Run a thin bead into the gap and smooth it with a wet finger. Use paintable caulk inside.
For seasonal gaps you want to remove later, press rope caulk into the joint between the sash and frame. It peels off in spring.
Lock the window. Turn the latch or lock fully so the sashes pull tight together. This closes small gaps for free.
Add window film on windows you want to see through. Tape the film to the frame, then shrink it tight with a hair dryer on low.
Open curtains on sunny south-facing windows during the day. Close them at dusk to trap heat, and keep them clear of radiators.
Tips and common mistakes
Never cover an emergency exit window with film or wrap in a way that blocks escape.
Watch for condensation behind bubble wrap or film. If moisture builds up, remove the layer and dry the glass.
Bubble wrap works best on single-pane glass where you do not need a clear view.
Do not caulk over wet or dirty wood. The seal will fail and trap moisture.
Questions
Does bubble wrap really keep heat in?
It adds a thin layer of trapped air, which slows heat loss on single-pane glass. Expect a small improvement, not the same as new windows.
Can I use this trick in a rental?
Yes. Rope caulk, bubble wrap and film are removable. Ask your landlord before using permanent caulk on the trim.
Which side of the glass does the bubble wrap go on?
Put the bubbles against the glass on the inside, with the flat side facing the room. Spray water first so it clings.
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.
