Window Insulation Film

Viking_mfw

Has anyone used insulation film on their windows and does it work? I am trying to think of all the potential avenues for reducing our heating needs this winter. TIA

georgehere

yes, I have a couple of times … it is certainly the low cost option and it makes a worthwhile difference if you have poor fitting draughty windows because it will stop droughts but it does not insulate much. It also has big downsides, you fit it with double sided tape which is a nuisance when you want to take it off and you can end up taking paint off wooden frames. And you can’t of course open the windows when it is in place.
I know cost is important but I would also consider making your own secondary panels with plastic edging around plastic panels and clips which lasts many years and can put up or down as needed. To some extent you can moderate the costs through the quality/thickness of the panels.
Lined curtains are effective, with the obvious compromises.

TheGardener

A previous occupant of our house had fitted a window film to reduce sun glare through a very sunny southwest-facing window. Its primary purpose was anti-glare but the film is also promoted as thermal insulation. It worked well. However, it was slightly reflective and was responsible for an awful lot of bird strikes as it reflected the trees at the bottom of our garden. I got a bit distressed with having to deal with so many dead birds under the window - and the noise when they walloped into the window was awful. We removed it. It was a sort of self-clinging film rather than taped on.  

We have since put up cheap roller blinds behind the curtains.