does plastic window insulation really work?

Question

does it work?
does it keep in warm air or keep out cold?
do i need to put anything over it like curtains or is the plastic enough to keep out drafts?

Answer 1

the deal is- DEAD AIR SPACE, this stops the transfer of heat in either direction, if the air moves, it carries heat with it. so yes and caulk anything that might leak air.

Answer 2

Window Plastic Insulation

Answer 3

Plastic Window Insulation

Answer 4

If you have old windows,yes plastic will help. Instead of buying the plastic window kits you might want to try getting a roll of heavy plastic and stapling it on around the windows. You can probably do most of the windows in your house with one roll.The plastic won't be as clear and as easy to see thru but it is heaver and much cheaper. Measure your window and then cut an oversize piece, maybe 4 inches on each side. This is so you have room to fold over the edges once or twice before you staple it. This will make the edges where you staple a little stronger and less likely to tear if the wind does get hold of it. You don't necessarily have to put curtains over it but it will help to insulate the window further and it won't look as tacky.

Answer 5

Yes, it will stop air infiltration, or air leakage, if you use the type you heat up and stretch. Will also make an insulating blanket of air-- not a whole lot of insulation value, but better than nothing. The air leaks are the biggest problem with windows. Certainly if oyu have curtains, or heavy drapes, keep them up on the window.

Answer 6

When properly applied, with a nice seal around all teh edges, it stops drafts. As many layers of 'sandwiched' air act as insulation to seal out winter drafts and prevent more heat loss. Closed drapes at night stop more heat transfer by keeping colder air to the outside, but during the day you might get more benefit from the sunlight coming through.
I actually seal my attic windows in the winter, since they are older drafty windows. It helps tremendously.

Answer 7

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
does plastic window insulation really work?
does it work?
does it keep in warm air or keep out cold?
do i need to put anything over it like curtains or is the plastic enough to keep out drafts?

Answer 8

It's not really insulation, but a draft barrier.
You will get some benefit installing it on
'tight` windows, but the real gain is realized if
there is air leakage at the window.

Answer 9

i'm assuming you mean the shrink wrap for windows. it works good. its definately worth the money and its easy to do. how it works is this:

the air in between the window and the plastic becomes a medium for heat transfer. the air gets heated up during the day when the sun is on it, and the plastic allows the air to heat up before entering your home. it also stops the drafts from your windows, but you should try to avoid this by caulking all the cracks in your windows before doing this. it will make the whole process much mor effecient.

Answer 10

I've used plastic film in a travel trailer and in a summer cottage. It's good to keep drafts out, and will help retain a little heat and make you a little more comfortable, but it's not a replacement for quality windows.

Answer 11

Yes. The air between the plastic and glass acts like an insulation.
Cover the entire widow frame--this will help with air leaks.
Drapes will also help.