How do I cover my old windows to make my home warm?

Beth Davidson
by Beth Davidson

I have lived in the same condo for 2 years and the window s have not been replaced since 1973. I have blind's and curtains, but my place is cold and I can't afford to pay for new windows.

  4 answers
  • Chloe Crabtree Chloe Crabtree on Mar 09, 2019

    Normally, window insulation kits offer double-sided tape to help the homeowner adhere the plastic. ... To shrink window insulation film, one need only hit it with a hair dryer or similar heat source. Once the window is sealed, it's insulated.

  • FrugalFamilyTimes.com FrugalFamilyTimes.com on Mar 09, 2019

    You can get plastic that you attach to the window frame and Shrink with a hairdryer. It works well to keep our drafts. You can’t open the window though. It’s the sort of thing you do every winter and take down in spring.

  • Nancy Turner Nancy Turner on Mar 09, 2019

    You can use the 3M window film very easily. It definitely will keep out a lot of the cord air that can come in the windows. The instructions are simple and all you need is a scissors and hair blow dryer. Get the kit, it comes with both the tape and the film. The kits come in different sizes for different windows or multiple windows. If you combine this with the insulated curtains during the cold weather, it should help solve the cold air coming through your windows problem, Beth! I live in Minnesota and did this to my mom's bedroom windows that leaked cold air in like a sieve and it really helped keep her bedroom warm for her many north facing windows. I hope this helps you, Beth! The window film helped her so much that she didn't need to get the insulated drapes she was thinking of getting to put over her blinds. There are other brands out there, but I have found the 3M is the best with thicker plastic and much easier to install than the thinner plastic in other brands. It may even help with warm air coming in during the hot months.

  • Gk Gk on Mar 09, 2019

    Yes! Use the window film for the coldest months in your area. You can buy the thicker version as mentioned above--the shrink plastic is available in different thicknesses. I use it every year along with blinds and insulated curtains. It makes a big difference in stopping cold drafts. I also find that it keeps any moisture off the wood frames on my windows so I don't have to worry about the moisture ruining the wood around the windows. I always take the plastic off as soon as I can in the spring! Love that spring air coming in through the windows!