Funny you mention the front door—I had the same thing happen. I was convinced my drafty old windows were the problem, but after I put a new sweep on the back door, it made a way bigger difference than I expected. The kitchen actually stays warm now, which is wild considering how much I used to crank the heat in there. Haven’t seen a huge drop in my bill yet, but honestly just not having that cold breeze on my feet is enough for me.
Ever tried those shrink-wrap window kits? I was skeptical, but they actually helped in my upstairs bedroom. Not the prettiest look, but it’s temporary and does the trick. Wondering if anyone else has had luck with those or if it’s just me being cheap...
Ever tried those shrink-wrap window kits? I was skeptical, but they actually helped in my upstairs bedroom. Not the prettiest look, but it’s temporary and does the trick.
I totally get what you mean about the look—my living room windows looked like they were gift-wrapped by a toddler last winter. But honestly, I was shocked at how much warmer it felt in there. I used to joke that my house had “indoor wind,” especially on those January nights when you could practically see your breath in the hallway. After I put up the shrink film, it was like someone finally closed the window that had been open for years.
I’m with you on the “not pretty” part. The plastic gets a little wrinkly if you’re not careful with the hair dryer, and my cat was convinced it was a new toy for her to attack. Still, for a few bucks and an hour of my time, it made a bigger difference than I expected. I wouldn’t call it being cheap—more like resourceful. Sometimes the low-tech fixes are the most satisfying.
Funny thing, I actually tried those rope caulk strips one year too, thinking I’d be clever and seal up every little gap. Ended up with sticky fingers and a weird smell in the house for a week. The shrink-wrap is way less messy, at least in my experience.
I haven’t noticed a huge drop in my bill either, but just not having that icy draft sneak up on me while I’m watching TV is worth it. Plus, there’s something kind of satisfying about peeling it off in spring—like unwrapping your house from hibernation.
If only there was a way to make it look less like a science project... but hey, warm toes are worth a little plastic, right?
Wrapping My House Up Like a Sweater—Worth the Hassle?
I hear you on the “science project” vibe—some of those window kits look like a middle school experiment gone rogue, especially if you’ve got older windows that aren’t exactly square anymore. But honestly, I recommend them to clients all the time, especially in drafty old homes where new windows just aren’t in the budget yet. It’s not glamorous, but it’s effective.
One winter, I did a whole rental house with shrink film for a friend who was convinced nothing would help. The difference was night and day—no more cold spots by the couch, and you could actually sit near the windows without feeling like you were camping. Sure, it’s not going to win any design awards, but if you’re dealing with leaky sashes or single-pane glass, it’s a solid stopgap.
Funny thing is, I’ve seen folks get creative—some people put up curtains or even hang fabric over the plastic to make it less obvious. Not a bad workaround if you want to hide the “gift wrap” look. At the end of the day, I’d take a little plastic over frozen toes any day... even if my dog thinks it’s his new scratching post.
I totally get the “gift wrap” look—my living room looked like a giant leftover sandwich last winter. But honestly, I was shocked at how much warmer it felt. I even started questioning if my thermostat was lying to me. The plastic isn’t pretty, but neither is shivering under three blankets while binge-watching TV.
I’ve tried the curtain trick too, and it does help hide the plastic a bit. Plus, it’s an excuse to finally buy those heavy velvet drapes I’ve been eyeing. The only downside is my cat thinks the whole setup is her personal jungle gym, so I’m constantly re-sticking corners.
Has anyone tried those magnetic window insulator kits? I keep seeing them pop up online, and I’m curious if they’re less of a pain to put up (and take down) than the classic shrink film. Or is it just another thing for my pets to mess with?
Wrapping up the house in plastic isn’t exactly a design statement, but you’re right—it’s hard to argue with the results. I’ve had a few properties where tenants used the shrink film, and it really does make a noticeable difference in comfort and even heating bills. The “gift wrap” vibe is a small price to pay for not freezing, in my opinion.
About those magnetic kits: I’ve experimented with them in a couple of rentals. They’re definitely easier to put up and take down compared to the classic shrink film, especially if you’re not a fan of the hair dryer routine. The magnets hold pretty well, but if your cat is determined, she might still find a way to turn it into her playground. One thing I noticed—the seal isn’t always as tight as with shrink film, so you might lose a bit of efficiency. Still, for convenience and reusability, they’re worth a shot.
Heavy drapes are a smart move too. They add insulation and style, and honestly, they’re a lot less hassle than wrestling with plastic every season.
