Plastic or Window Quilts?

[PAVallygrl]

I usually use the plastic.

I'd like to get the insulated drapes as well though. Have to See if I can squeeze it into the budget

[bamber]

Well, I only have two windows, so I could probably get the kind that you use the hair dryer on. I know we don't have it at walmart though, it doesn't get that cold here so it's not a hot item...lol.

[cottageliving]

this year I could not find the right caulk, so I'm using Frost King cold weather tape around each window (the gaps where the windows glide up and down) and will then do the plastic kits with the hair dryer heat on top of that. There is a LOT of cold air coming in the windows. It's a big job,and I'm not done, but can tell the difference already. This is my 2nd winter in this house, and last year we never felt warm. I also have drapes to close at night.

[Michelle]

for cheles2kids

[ktsmama]

I have another idea too. I went to the hardware store today and purchased some "Seasonal Caulk" to put on the areas that might not be covered. Then after warm weather returns you just peel it off and you're good to go till next year. I am giving it a try this year just so I don't have to worry about covering the windows so heavily for winter and I can take advantage of the sun more.

Do you mind telling me where you got this seasonal caulk? I have read about it and would like to try it.

[Grainlady]

If you make or purchase window quilts, you need to make sure the layer closest to the window has a vapor-proof or water-proof coating. Windows "sweat" profusely that are covered with window quilts.

How to:
http://www.motherearthnews.com/Green...mal-Shade.aspx

I made them for a small townhome we lived in and mopping up the moisture was a necessary daily process. You also have to have the quilts fit completely within the window frame, not just hang over the window like a drape. They should seal on all 4-sides. I used a strip of plastic magnet that attached to another strip of plastic magnet within the window to seal them down tight. Don't use steel magnets because moisture from the window will cause the magnets to rust. If all you have are steel magnets, then coat them with sealant to prevent them from rusting. Hook and loop (aka Velcro) can also be used to snug the quilt to the window.

I created a loop in one or both corners so it could be raised during the day to let sunlight in, and hooked the loop over a button, tent-flap style.

Another mistake people make with window quilts is air flowing from the open bottom of the quilt to the top. It's nothing more than a "chimney" where warm air rises from the floor, travels up the window quilt, cools over the cold window and enters the room again from the open top. So it only partially closes off the cold air.

We've also used the plastic, but it seems like it always fails in one place or another and defeats the purpose. Plus it's expensive to do each year.

What we've done successfully for the last two years is to use the bubblewrap method. We used large sheets of free bubble wrap and have it on all our windows except one small window.

How to:
http://www.builditsolar.com/Projects...bubblewrap.htm

Our windows are also covered with insulating Levelor blinds which is the second layer of defense. Our bedroom is on the north, and we have bubble wrap, blinds, and insulated room darkening curtains over all of this. These three coverings are the best method of all, in my opinion.

The bubble wrap method beats all the other methods we've tried. It's quick & easy to apply or remove and re-apply. It also helps eliminate the moisture forming on, and dripping off, the windows - a secondary benefit.