5 Ways to Warm up those Windows…..
…..Winter windows can suck the life out of your wallet!
My niece lives in Minnesota and introduced me to the 3-M product that she used to insulate her windows during the winter in her turn-of-the-19th-century home. With the plastic shrink-wrap stuff and a hair dryer she cut out almost all of the draft (from her windows) and it really helped with her heating bill.
In searching for that product to buy on-line I found some other ways to help insulate your windows, aside from replacing them.
1) Rubber Weather Sealing: You can buy strips of self-stick rubber weather sealing at a hardware store. Cut long strips down to fit your window dimensions, then peel and stick to the frame to close any gaps and keep out drafts. Pros: Cheap, effective, minimal alterations to appearance of windows. Cons: When you peel away the rubber strips, they can damage paint or leave a sticky residue.
2) Window Insulation Film: (This is the 3-M stuff) You can buy window insulation kits from a hardware store. Kits usually include plastic shrink film that is applied to the indoor window frame with double-stick tape, then heated with a hair dryer to shrink the film and remove any wrinkles. Pros: Cheap and effective. Cons: Gives windows a cloudy, shrink-wrapped look.
3) Cellular Shades: Cellular Shades insulate while still letting in light through the windows. They can be ordered and custom cut from home and design centers. Pros: They let in light and can be custom-fitted for doors and windows. Cons: They can be expensive and may not insulate as much as heavier curtains.
4) Layered Curtains: Use heavy fabrics or layered curtains over the windows to keep out drafts. Pros: Looks good, can be matched to your home decor. Cons: Curtains can be expensive and heavy drapes can block out light.
5) Draft Doggies: Draft Doggies are fabric tubes placed on a window sill or under a door to prevent cold air from creeping in. You can make one by sewing a tube of fabric to fit the width of your window and filling it with dried rice. Pros: Cheap, easy to make as a DIY project. Cons: It only insulates the window sill, not the glass or frame.
And, if any of you are looking for an excuse to invest in plantation shutters, I can tell you from personal experience that they keep out a lot of cold and heat. I love mine!