Do you want to know how to insulate windows to keep heat out? Well, you are where you need to be. Amazingly, you may build a more durable barrier between the indoor and outdoor spaces to make your house more pleasant in summer or winter.
Nevertheless, several approaches to insulating windows range from cheap to expensive, low to high tech, and easy to sophisticated.
Using these techniques, you can insulate your windows to keep the summer heat out. Window Weatherstripping, Install thermal curtains, cellular shades, insulating shutters, bubble wrap, reflective window film, and bubble wrap on all windows. With that in mind, let’s learn more about insulting windows.
How to Insulate Windows to Keep Heat Out
- Add Weatherstripping to Your Windows
Adding weatherstripping to your windows is one of the quickest, easiest, and least costly solutions to address the issue of how to insulate windows to keep heat out. One of the most prevalent places for house air leaks is around the windows.
Weatherstripping is unquestionably one of the greatest methods for summer window insulation. Research the varieties available to select the ideal weatherstripping for each window style.
Read also: How to Insulate Single Pane Windows?
- Use Window Films to Reflect Heat
Laminated plastic film is another effective solution for reducing heat gains through windows. These window films are excellent at reflecting solar heat gain, minimizing the heat entering your home.
They also shield furniture, carpets, and artwork from UV radiation that fades and cause damage. They are perfect if your house is hotter and you often use your air conditioner.
Window film may not be as appealing to you if you live somewhere with hard winters because you may like the sun’s warming beams. DIY solutions and more expensive and long-lasting, professionally put window films are available.
By reducing solar heat gain, these films not only keep your home cooler but also help prevent heat loss during colder months, making them a versatile solution for year-round comfort.
- Invest in Cellular Shades
Cellular shades are a stylish option and highly effective in minimizing heat gains and losses through windows. Their unique design creates an air pocket that acts as a barrier, reducing the heat entering your home.
They are made of removable magnetic window insulation layers pleated to create an air pocket pattern like a honeycomb, which lessens heat transmission through your windows.
When constructed appropriately, they may block up to 60% of the heat radiation from the sun.
Unlike films fixed to your windows, cellular shades may be easily opened and closed. You may roll them up and store them out of the way in the winter when you will appreciate solar heat. They provide a fantastic summertime window insulating solution.
- Purchase Blackout Blinds
Blackout blinds are window treatments intended to block out sunlight nearly entirely. They offer insulation over your windows since they are heavier and thicker than regular curtains or blinds. Additionally, they feature a light-colored or reflecting side that faces the window and reflects sunshine and heat.
- Use Draft Snakes for Window Insulation
In this instance, draft dodgers or draft snakes have nothing to do with football or escaping military duty. Generally, thick insulation is placed at the bottom of windows and doors to prevent air leakage.
Read also: How Thick is R30 Insulation?
They are a quick and entertaining method to insulate windows for the summer or winter. They are frequently handmade and covered in materials that coordinate with the interior design of the residence.
- Insulate Windows Using Bubble Wrap
You may use it for more than just shipping and popping. One of the greatest methods for summer window insulation is a plastic film with many air spaces. You can use any bubble wrap with medium to large bubbles.
Clean the windows, then cut the sheets to size. Spray some water on your spotless window before pressing the bubble wrap into position. Later, it is simple to delete.
How to Insulate Old Windows
- Apply Weatherstripping to Your Windows and Lock Them
The most crucial step in insulating windows to keep heat out of a house is forgetting to lock the windows. As window locks pull the sashes together, the air leak is sealed.
- Make Sure Your Exterior Doors are Weatherproof
Did you know that a door’s perimeter may let in as much air through a 1/8-inch gap as a tiny window opened halfway? Apply weather strips to the sides and top, and new door sweeps at the bottom if you notice drafts around your doors.
- It Would be Best if You Reglazed Loose Windowpanes
You should check the glazing of your antique wooden windows. Before it gets below fifty degrees, reglaze any windows with missing or loose pieces.
- On Drafty Doors, Use Physical Barriers
Long tubes filled with sand called “door snakes” are installed at the bottom of doors to stop drafts. Try putting an old blanket over your door to stop drafts from the outside if a door snake proves ineffective.
This method is particularly effective in reducing heat transfer through the glass, ensuring that your home remains comfortable and reducing energy costs associated with heating and cooling.
Bottom Line
Consider using window insulation kits for older windows, which are available online or at local hardware stores. These kits typically include a plastic film that adheres to the window frame, creating an additional insulation layer to prevent heat loss.
These kits cover the glass with a plastic film. These kits include plastic sheets that may use double-sided tape to attach to the jambs. Once in position, use a hair dryer to shrink the plastic to resemble another glass pane.
These straightforward solutions to issues on how to insulate windows to keep heat out will get you by if you aren’t ready to replace your windows. You could even want to mix a few of them because doing so will help you keep warm and shield you from the brisk winter air.