A money-saving TikToker has shared a three-minute hack to keep rooms warm and reduce heating bills, a tip she says is "so worth it." The method involves covering windows with thin plastic insulation sheets to block drafts and cut energy waste.
How the window insulation hack works
Leigh, known on TikTok as @financiallyfreeleigh, recommends fitting plastic insulation sheets over windows to add an extra layer of insulation. She said she has used the trick for three years and will "never go back," adding: "I don't feel the cold drafts anymore, and I save a bunch of money on my heating bill."
The plastic sheets slow heat transfer through the glass. Nick Barber, energy expert and co-founder of prepaid electricity firm Utilities Now, 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."
Potential savings and how the trick works
Barber explained that the plastic creates a layer of trapped air between the film and the glass, similar to the gap in a double-glazed window, preventing warm air from escaping and cold air from entering. He noted: "It won't fix all the energy gaps in a room, but it will slow down heat loss through glass significantly."
On 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."
Step-by-step fitting guide
To fit the sheets, start with clean, bone-dry windows. If there is any dirt, clean them thoroughly and leave them to dry completely. Stick double-sided tape, which comes with most kits, around the inside edge of the window frame.
Press the plastic sheet firmly onto the tape, ensuring it overlaps the window edges. Use a hairdryer to heat and shrink the plastic until it is taut, eliminating creases and strengthening the seal. Finally, tape down the edges of the plastic to create an airtight finish.
