and if you want to get creative... Consider attaching a neodymium magnet to your blind controller in a fashion that could allow you to open and close them as desired, if you so wished! I haven't tried this but I know it would work with some creativity (perhaps super gluing a flat magnet to the base of the spinny thing (attaching it so the N/S polarity is horizontal/perpendicular to the thingy) .. So that you can manipulate it by rotating an equally strong magnet near it (while keeping them apart of course - using your hand as a barrier). If you've played with high powered magnets before, you'll understand how this could/should work. an interesting thought to fix the fact that you can't control your blinds once the film is on) Similar thoughts apply to attaching a magnet to the draw cords (though, they may be too heavy for such ambitious ideas) But adding a weight to the draw string could be a way to counter that. Who knows! Remember how I said I had a flawless application, but this product leaves room for error? (if you skimmed ahead, that's what you get for being impatient). Well, my application was too perfect. It was as tight as a drum, stretched all across each side perfectly. I had no problem removing an entire side at a time and repositioning it so it was half an inch closer to the window (loosening the fit). I didn't do this on ALL 4 sides, just two. After doing this, the sound was gone! Bam! It's still pretty tight, but nowhere like it was before. It still tight enough to where you can't see it unless you have a lamp in the reflection. Otherwise it's invisible. Window insulation kits vary from each manufacturer, so be sure to read all of the instructions and find the one that suits your needs,” Benson says. The directions for whether you are buying the best window insulation kit indoors or out will be included in the box. While you could typically use the film interchangeably, it's the tape that can make the difference. In a pinch, you could get away with using a plastic film made for the outdoors inside your home, but only if you buy tape made for use indoors. Outdoor tapes may be too strong and could damage your surfaces during removal. If you prefer to install a film on the exterior of your home, the best window insulator kit is the 3M Outdoor Window Insulator Kit. It was specially developed to withstand the elements, though it will most likely only last one year and shouldn’t be reused.

Magnetic insulation kits require DIYers to install magnetic strips around the window, then cut the film to match. They can be more challenging to install than plastic film kits, and the magnets often create a less-than-airtight seal. Tip: Since the suction cups have rings on them, this option can also be used for hanging Christmas lights, decor, or other lightweight wall hangings. Read on for shopping considerations when selecting this type of window treatment and to learn why these are among the best window insulation kits available. Having a sharp pair of scissors comes in handy. To trim the excess, I didn't trim, but glided the scissors around to leave as clean of an edge as possible. Despite fitting larger windows, the kit is still available at an affordable price. “It’s a budget buy, but it’s effective,” Domniguez says.

Does window insulation film really work?

Made with puncture-resistant shrink film, this 126-inch-long by 62-inch-wide indoor option is perfect for homes with children, pets, and other high traffic and is easy to install and remove cleanly, making it suitable for first timers. For added reliability, this option can be used on painted wood, aluminum, vinyl, and finishes/varnished wood, but it can’t be used on plaster, drywall, or unfinished wood.

This article was written by Belle DuChene, an award-winning digital content producer and stylist who is often seen in Better Homes & Gardens home and garden videos, and Brittany VanDerBill, a contributing writer with over six years of experience. Brittany is a regular contributor to Better Homes & Gardens, specializing home appliances and cleaning products. If you want to insulate your garage doors or windows all year long, the best window insulation kit is the Reach Barrier 3009 Garage Door Insulation Kit. It keeps the temperature moderate in your garage, so you can comfortably utilize the extra space for a home gym or hangout. The kits come with clear shrink film that is easy to cut and apply to the inside of your window. You just need a measuring tape, scissors and a hair dryer to install them. The film shrinks tightly around the window frame, creating a smooth and transparent seal. You can still see clearly through the windows and let in natural light. For a window insulator that won’t make it impossible to open your windows–or blurry to look through, the best window insulator is the Yotache Foam Tape Weather Strips. Because they are only attached at the edges. In general, Shaver says that installing insulation on the inside of a window is going to be more effective. He notes, “This placement creates a dead air space helping to reduce heat loss and improve energy efficiency.”

Customer reviews

Now, double-glazed windows do possess much better thermal properties than a single pane window, but even double-glazed windows need a helping hand for insulation, and that is where window insulation films step up. Window films have been around for some time, and originally window films were used in commercial settings, before being fine-tuned for the residential house. Keep in mind that it’s not recommended for use with plaster, drywall, or unfinished wood because the tape can pull up those surfaces. It is safe to use on painted or finished wood, aluminum, or vinyl. The first day after installation of these, I noticed sound coming from them. It wasn't from *wind* like some people assume. I think it was a mix of static and tension, (and maybe sunlight?) Though, I heard it at night too. The sound - slow, soft crinkling of a potato chip bag.. Usually every 20 seconds or so.

Because heat travels from hot to cold areas, the heat generated by a home heating system will leak out to the colder environment,” Benson says. “Window insulation kits function by creating an air barrier between the interior living space and the window. When installed properly, window insulation kits are completely see-through.” Most window insulation kits work the same way: A sheet of heat-shrink plastic or other insulating material is attached to the window panes with double-sided tape or magnetic strips to add a layer of insulation. The best window insulation kits are easy to install and provide an effective barrier to drafts. Windows that have been treated with insulation cannot usually be opened, meaning these kits are a seasonal solution to drafty windows. Some kits will have varying levels of clarity of the film, though most shrink kits will have clear film to allow you to see out your window.

Conclusion

Window insulation kits function by creating an air barrier between the interior living space and the window,” says Elias Benson of the Building Construction Technology Department at the New England Institute of Technology. “This air barrier works well as insulation because it prevents cold air from entering while allowing sunlight in.”

After the film is secure, shrink it with a hairdryer. The result is a surface so transparent you’ll have a clear view of falling snowflakes. As long as you’re careful while removing the tape, you can store the kit to use again next year. The tape is rated for temperatures as low as -4°F, which may not be the best option for extra-cold winters.As it happens, I had perfect application on four 3x5 windows. Flawless. But, I want to talk about something that I've noticed a few others mention that I was curious about myself. (I got on here hoping to find an answer, and I didn't. So I'm going to try to answer it) Windows are absolutely critical to the aesthetics of your property and, of course, to the mental and physical health of the home’s occupants. However, no matter how essential they are, they do create some problems for the heat retention of your home, with a huge amount of heat loss generated from them.