Does anyone have window film on their windows, does it help?

[Prairie~Phlox]

Dh caught something on Fox News this morning. We have single pane windows with storm windows and really want to do something to help with the heating bills this winter. They weren't terrible last year, but I believe we can save more. Another option is covering with plastic, but he's interested in the window film now. Any advice?

Thanks,
Phlox

[Needleroozer]

Dh caught something on Fox News this morning. We have single pane windows with storm windows and really want to do something to help with the heating bills this winter. They weren't terrible last year, but I believe we can save more. Another option is covering with plastic, but he's interested in the window film now. Any advice?

Thanks,
Phlox

We have it on our south and west facing windows. We put it up originally to help with the sun coming in. It works well for that, and also for keeping the cold air out. It was easy to install (though it did take both the Dude and myself to put it on the big window), and has held up well for the last 4 years.

[Prairie~Phlox]

We have it on our south and west facing windows. We put it up originally to help with the sun coming in. It works well for that, and also for keeping the cold air out. It was easy to install (though it did take both the Dude and myself to put it on the big window), and has held up well for the last 4 years.

Thanks, that's good to know that it keeps the cold out, it seems they are really more for keeping the sun out. Also, I looked at Lowe.com & Homedepot.com and it's kind of expensive, but it does last vs. putting up plastic every year.

Thanks,
Phlox

[E_Edgerton]

Have you looked at www.energy-film.com They give a lot of info on the site. :)

[Needleroozer]

Thanks, that's good to know that it keeps the cold out, it seems they are really more for keeping the sun out. Also, I looked at Lowe.com & Homedepot.com and it's kind of expensive, but it does last vs. putting up plastic every year.

Thanks,
Phlox

Yes, it does last well. We need to replace ours, but not because it is worn out, but because one of the kids decided it was a cool surface on which to practice the art of etching. SIgh.

[Phred]

We do... and it does make a difference. Especially on the west-facing windows that just blast in heat without it. It also helps keep the heat inside in the winter... but that isn't as obvious. I'm just telling you what the box told us.

It does make a cloudy day look like thunder storms tho. :001_huh:

[dawn of ns]

I've never heard of that. We've used the shrink-film kits and they're a good option as well and likely much cheaper. They use air to insulate and also stop drafts, something that film can't. Maybe they'd work well together?

[hillfarm]

We use the plastic shrink film. It isn't all that hard to put up, and trimmed correctly, it is not all that noticeable. You can take it down each spring, but we leave ours up for several years until it has a hole in it. It makes a huge difference for our drafty, old farmhouse windows. It costs around $12 per application.

I think it depends a lot on how your windows and frames are made. Our windows are set back into a deep casement that is smooth, so we have a flush surface on which to anchor the plastic. Our windows are arranged in groups of 3 with a 5" wide wooden strip between them, so we just run one long sheet of the plastic and cover the wood also.

The plastic seems to age well and has not discolored. However, it does show the little doggy nose prints and has to be wiped with a damp cloth occasionally:glare:.

[Sandy in Indy]

When we lived in Florida, I had film on all the windows. It did help with the energy bills!

[Lizzie in Ma]

But, do NOT buy the cheap stuff and do NOT do it alone, a second pair of hands really, really helps.
Also, just in case you found a can of it in your shed, do NOT decide to use expandable spray foam in the front windows to seal up cracks!
(picture a yellow blog attacking your house and getting blown up on your big front bow window):D

[nestof3]

I just wanted to mention that we have plastic on our front large window, and it really does help in all seasons.