Covering windows with thin plastic insulation sheets can keep rooms warm, reduce drafts, and save households up to 10% on heating costs, according to an energy expert.
Money-saving enthusiast Leigh, who posts on TikTok as @financiallyfreeleigh, shared a three-minute tip for keeping rooms warm without relying heavily on central heating. She said, "I've been doing this for the last three years; I will never go back. I don't feel the cold drafts anymore, and I save a bunch of money on my heating bill."
How the Hack Works
Leigh recommends covering windows with thin plastic insulation sheets. The added layer helps insulate the windows, keeping warm air in and cold drafts out. She noted that the sheets "actually keep you warm by keeping the draught out and save you hundreds on your heating bill."
She added, "Takes like three minutes. So worth it. Who knew that a little bit of plastic can actually make such a difference. The windows in my apartment are so old, so they all have massive drafts."
Expert Backing and Savings
Nick Barber, energy expert and co-founder of Utilities Now, a prepaid electricity company, told Better Homes & Gardens, "Plastic window wrap can absolutely be effective if used correctly. It acts as a temporary barrier that slows heat transfer through single-pane windows."
Barber explained that the plastic creates a layer of trapped air between the film and the glass, similar to the space in a double-pane window, which slows warm air from escaping and cool air from entering. He said, "It won't fix all the energy gaps in a room, but it will slow down heat loss through glass significantly."
On potential savings, Barber said, "Using plastic window insulation kits, homeowners can expect to save as much as five to 10% of their heating costs. However, this percentage still depends on the number of windows insulated and the size of the house, as well as the airtightness of the rest of the building."
How to Apply the Sheets
Start with clean, completely dry windows. Apply double-sided tape, usually supplied with plastic window insulation kits, around the inside edge of the window. Press the plastic wrap firmly onto the tape, ensuring it extends beyond the window edges. Use a hair dryer to shrink the plastic until it fits tightly, smoothing out wrinkles and improving the seal. Finally, tape over the edges to create an airtight seal.
