Renter with rotted windows eyes heavy vinyl, but DIYers say cheap film seals better

With winter and high heating bills fast approaching, many people have been left searching for last-minute ways to better insulate their homes. 

One renter who found themselves in just such a situation turned to Reddit for potential ways to seal their windows against the winter cold. 

Here's what to know

Writing on Reddit's r/frugal, the original poster explained that they lived in an old rental with "rotted windows" that were "cold in the winter, and let in moisture and humidity in the summer," leading to "insane" electric bills.

Looking for an inexpensive solution, they asked whether 20-gauge clear vinyl attached with magnetic and steel tape, plus a few nails to help carry the weight, could work as a potential solution. The renter made clear that any work would need to be easily undone when they moved out.

What commenters said

In the comments, one frequently repeated point was that thicker film does not necessarily mean better insulation. 

"The insulation value does not come from the thickness of the film," one commenter pointed out. "It's a sealed air space. It doesn't matter the thickness. Just get the cheap shrink-wrap and leave it up."

Others agreed, with one saying that the usual window film "worked really well, made a huge difference in comfort and on my electric bill." They added that thinner plastic helps reveal a bad seal quickly because it goes "from taut to slack."

Which material works best?

While most commenters agreed on the general solution of covering the window with some kind of sheet or film, opinions varied widely on which material was best.  

One commenter who had experimented with heavy clear vinyl and Velcro said it "worked okay" but "sagged like crazy in the summer heat," leaving them to keep pressing the fasteners back down.

Another user recommended Strataglass, explaining that it was "not inexpensive, but it is very clear and stays that way."

An out-of-the-box suggestion from a clever DIYer was to use a vinyl shower curtain, saying it costs "about 90% less" than nicer acrylic-style options.

Another innovative repurposing idea came from a user who had been in a similar situation and found that a common packing material worked well for them. 

"When I've lived in rentals with bad windows, I'd cover them with bubble wrap during the winter," they wrote. "Just spray the window and the bubble wrap sticks to it. Super easy to remove." 

Where can I learn more?

Drafty windows can drive up energy bills in both summer and winter. The following stories further examined the relationship between well-sealed windows and energy use. 

• Simple steps like sealed windows and insulation kept winter heating bills down.

• Scientists tested reimagined windows that could cut energy waste in future buildings.

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