Cheap window film insulation - Does it work?

[Deleted User]

Am looking for a way when I move home to CHEAPLY and as easily as possible give the windows more insulation in the winter as if the new home is not double glazed but I still love it I wouldn't mind just sticking some of that insulating film up at all the windows before I put my curtains up..

Is it worth the hassle as it looks like a good cheap way of providing SOME insulation at least & I can't AFFORD the rigid panel type as yet

I LOVE the older Victorian period properties but am in one now which is a NIGHTMARE to heat and is not double glazed but plan to do a home swap soon for a similar but smaller property and am hoping the cheap film stuff will make it at least a bit cozier in the winter???

bungle4by4

cling film on glass.. sorry it wont work as insulation. its may stop a very small leak and draught, but thats about it.

Chunks

Presumably you have sash windows? I have used to have a 1970's build house with metal windows (also a nightmare) it helped. It's about creating and air gap. Might get some benefit (see link):

http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/experts/article-2081663/Does-double-glazing-cling-film-windows-stop-heat-loss.html

Do one room and see how you get on - won't cost a lot (just some time).

Good luck.

ic

I did this is my grandparents house last year in all the rooms they use and on the front and back doors - worked a treat. Isn't comparable to double glazing, but a worthwhile easy job.

reggie_lampert

Yes, it does work. It may not be the prettiest solution but it will keep your rooms draught free.

I have used the film for the last two winters on the two sash windows in my living room and the difference is dramatic. It may not be as good as double glazing but for £7 it will keep your rooms noticeably warmer.

The pros to using it are: it's cheap, it will keep you warmer and your energy bills won't be as high
The cons are: it's tricksy to fit, you have to go over it with the hairdryer regularly to stop it sagging, when you remove it you have to be careful it doesn't take the paint with it

You can get single glazed sash windows refurbed and draught proofed. I was quoted £700 for the 2 windows and to have them draught proofed and double glazed was £3000(!). Considering I have 6 windows to upgrade this is prohibitively expensive.

If you have an unused open fireplace you can get a chimney balloon which stops the heat escaping and draughts.

Bleg

I had it on my crittall windows for years up until August last year when we changed to double glazing. If done properly it stops the draught completely and can almost go unnoticed if neatly done. Good Luck

The_Pedant

The main job the film does is to trap a layer of air between the film and the glass. This provides a small insulating effect but most noticeably will stop the air cooling against the cold glass as quickly. As a result you will not get the same draught from quickly cooled air coming out from around your curtains. Additionally, if you stick it to the main surrounding frame then any small draughts around opening windows will be reduced.

If you have some single pane windows then for the cost I think it should make a noticeable difference as a temporary solution. I used it on a 10ft bay window where I used to get a graught that felt more like a window was slightly open. Put the film up and it was reduced significantly.

GlynD

bungle4by4 wrote: »

cling film on glass.. sorry it wont work as insulation. its may stop a very small leak and draught, but thats about it.

Perhaps another comment on why your advice should be ignored?

MX5huggy

Another vote for it works, last house I left it up for about 5 years, just can't open the window in summer.

[Deleted User]

WOW thanks everyone , sometimes the simplest solutions are the best as in its the cheapest option but better than NO draught proofing layer whatsoever!

I don't know why I didn't do it before! lol

I like the foil panel behind the radiator idea as well as am sure I noticed a difference x

Am going to view a property on Sunday which on street view looks like it does already have double glazing , so perhaps I won't have to worry after all

dacouch

Bubble wrap does the job