How to better insulate your windows for winter

Double or triple glazing is the way to go if you’re looking to reduce heat loss from your home, but not everyone has the funds to make this significant home improvement.

Instead, it’s always a good idea to further insulate your windows to keep cold air out and retain warmth inside. This can help to reduce your energy consumption, lower your bills and make your home more comfortable to live in. Here are some of the best ways to do it.

Upgrade your curtains

Thin or poorly fitted curtains provide little to no insulation. Doors and windows are some of the areas most susceptible to energy loss in a property, so curtains play a vital role in limiting heat transfer.

Upgrading yours to a thicker fabric, with more layers and a more comprehensive fit around a window area should help reduce the amount of heat escaping and prevent chilly draughts coming in. Hanging insulating curtains doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style either, with plenty of designs available.

Use sealant or caulk

If there are gaps or cracks in or around your window frames, these are likely to be letting in streams of cold air without you noticing. Though they may seem insignificant, filling these with sealants or caulks can make a massive difference in stopping draughts and preventing warmth from escaping.

You can buy supplies such as expanding foam from RS to fill big cavities or caulk to complete more precise sealing jobs. Inspect your window frames to see if you could benefit.

Apply insulation film

If you’re not able to improve your level of glazing, insulation film can be a more cost-effective alternative. It’s essentially another layer you add directly to your windows to reduce the amount of heat lost through the glass itself.

If you’ve got cracks around your windows, you’ll achieve better results if you start with these, but insulation film or magnetic window insulation can be a good addition to further bolster your heat-retaining efforts.

Add draught excluders

The final approach you can take is to invest in draught excluders to apply in and around window frames. There is always a little gap between the window and the frame, so insulating strips can create a more draught-proof seal.

Many of these products are self-adhesive which ensures easy application, but there’s a variety of options available. With no room for air to enter or escape, you should be able to benefit from better warmth retention in your home.