The Clear Fix for Drafty Windows: Cut Winter Energy Bills with Window Kits
You’ve locked up doors, latched the windows, and programmed the thermostat…but your home still feels chilly and your energy bills are sky high. What gives?
Drafty windows are one of the biggest causes of high winter energy bills but replacing them isn’t always in the budget. Fortunately, there’s an inexpensive but surprisingly effective solution you can install in an afternoon that will put an end to this winter woe—window insulation kits.
These clear plastic film kits seal out drafts and keep heat inside to act as a simple, invisible, and efficient—but temporary—layer of insulation for your windows.
Why Drafty Windows Are Such a Problem
Older windows, especially single-pane styles, don’t provide much insulation even when they’re in great shape—and as they age, frames can warp, caulk can dry out, and weatherstripping can wear away, creating small gaps around the edges. And these small gaps make a big difference in comfort and efficiency.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, heat loss through windows can add up to 25 to 30 percent of residential heating energy use. When cold air makes its way into your home, your heating system has to work harder to keep inside air at your desired temperature, and that drives up your utility bills. You may also notice uneven heating—rooms with leaky windows stay colder, while others feel fine.
What Are Window Insulation Kits?
Window insulation kits are an easy-to-install solution that uses a clear plastic film to create a barrier between the inside of your home and the cold air outside. You simply attach the film to the window frame using double-sided tape and then gently heat the plastic sheet with a hair dryer until it becomes taut and smooth. Once you’ve installed the kit, the plastic becomes nearly invisible so you get a crystal-clear view with an airtight seal that prevents drafts.
Frost King makes a variety of kits to fit any kind of window and they’re available at most home improvement stores. You can even buy multi-packs so you can insulate several windows at once.
How Window Kits Work
The concept of a window kit is simple: the plastic film traps a layer of air between the window and the plastic, creating an insulating pocket. That air layer blocks the transfer of heat, much like double-pane windows do.
In addition to keeping warm air inside, the plastic barrier also minimizes the temperature difference between inside and outside and you get less condensation on glass, which leads to less moisture damage and mold growth around windowsills and frames.
Where to Install Them
You can use window insulation kits on nearly any window in your home, but they make the biggest difference on windows that are:
• Single-pane or older double-hung styles
• Located on the north or west sides of the house, which tend to get the coldest winds
• In rooms you spend a lot of time in, like living rooms and bedrooms
• Rarely opened during winter
Windows with storm windows or newer double-pane glass may not need additional insulation, but if you notice cold spots or persistent drafts even these windows can benefit from a window kit.
How to Install a Window Insulation Kit
You don’t need special tools or skills to install a window kit. Just grab a measuring tape, a pair of scissors, and a hair dryer and follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Clean the Window Trim: Before applying the film, clean the surface around the window with soapy water to wipe away dust, dirt, or grime that might keep the film from adhering properly.
Step 2: Apply the Tape: Cut a piece of tape to size for each side of the window. Remove the adhesive backing from one side of the tape and firmly press it into place, repeating on all four sides of the window. Note that some window kits, like our EZ Roll Window Insulation Kit, have a pre-taped edge that’s used at the top of the window; if you’re using this kit, only place tape along the sides and bottom of the window.
Step 3: Apply the Film: Remove the adhesive backing from the strip of tape at the top of the window and carefully press the film into place, leaving a 1” overhang. Remove the backing from the strip of tape at the bottom of the window, then pull the film slightly taut and press against the tape. Repeat with both sides, pulling and stretching the film to smooth out any wrinkles.
Step 4: Set the Film: Use a hairdryer set at the highest setting to gently heat the film and remove any wrinkles; be sure to hold the hairdryer 4 to 6 inches away from the film, moving it in a circular motion until the film is taut and crystal clear.
Step 5: Trim the Excess Film: Use scissors or a utility knife to trim any excess film.
That’s it—no mess, no complicated tools, and no damage to your windows. When spring arrives, you simply peel off the plastic and tape. Watch this video for step-by-step removal directions:
The Payoff: Comfort and Savings
Once the kits are installed, you should notice an immediate improvement: Rooms will feel warmer, drafts will disappear, and your heating system won’t need to run as often. That means utility bills will be lower and indoor temperatures more consistent. Plus, by reducing the load on your heating system, you’ll extend its lifespan and cut down on maintenance needs. It’s a small, affordable project with big benefits.
Aesthetic Concerns? Don’t Worry.
Are you worried about using window kits because you’re not sure how they’ll look? Once the film is tightened, it’s almost invisible and you won’t even notice it’s there. You’ll just notice that your home feels warm and comfortable.
When It’s Time to Replace Your Windows
While window kits are an excellent temporary fix, they don’t solve every problem. If you notice fogging between glass panes, rotting frames, or serious condensation issues, it might be time for professional repair or replacement.
New, energy-efficient windows are a big investment but they dramatically reduce heating and cooling costs over the long term. For many homeowners, adding window insulation kits buys you time until you’re ready for a larger upgrade—and they’ll keep your home comfortable in the meantime.
Seal in the Warmth This Winter
You don’t have to live with cold drafts or rising energy bills. With a few window insulation kits and an hour or two of effort, you can make your home cozier and more efficient. And when your next energy bill arrives, you’ll see the difference, too.
