4 Alternatives to Putting Plastic on Windows for Increased Energy Efficiency and Style
Not all windows coverings need to be complicated
Plastic is the least expensive window treatment.
Other window films block UV and heat transfer far better.
Specialized shades are a great alternative and easy to install.
If you have the money, installing triple-pane windows is the best option.
Putting plastic on windows is a popular method designed to make your home more energy efficient. Although many find them tedious to install, window coverings or films can drastically change the efficiency of your windows. That being said, there are many great alternatives to putting plastic on windows. We’ll explore different options in this article, and you can decide which is the best option for your unique situation.
Why Should You Put Plastic on Your Windows?
Before exploring alternatives, it's essential to understand why many DIYers choose to put plastic on their windows. Plastic window insulation is a cost-effective and easy-to-install option that creates a barrier between the indoor and outdoor environments, which decreases the transfer of heat from outside to inside.
By minimizing air leaks and reducing heat transfer, plastic can help maintain a comfortable temperature inside your home while reducing energy consumption. There’s also the benefit of added UV protection. Plastic wrapping a window is effective, but it can also look, well, not great if done incorrectly. Plastic also rips easily, so you may find yourself replacing your window dressing more than once per season, especially if you have kids or pets.
Many people choose to wrap their windows in plastic because it’s budget-friendly, fairly effective, and easy. However, it can also be time-consuming and frustrating if you need to replace the plastic. Truth be told, there are better options if you’re looking for long-term cost-effective and energy-efficient window solutions.
Other Energy-Efficient Window Treatments
As we’ve discussed, plastic that goes over windows is an inexpensive and effective way to trap heat in the winter, keep it out in the summer, and keep drafts to a minimum. If you consider the time involved and don’t like the aesthetic, there are better options.
Low-E Window Coatings
“Low-E” stands for low-emissivity or low-emittance. This means that low-E windows have a microscopically thin coating that is both transparent and reflects heat. You can’t see that a window has been low-E treated, which we consider an advantage over plastic coverings.
Window Film
Window film comes in both tinted and non-tinted options. Unlike low-E windows, which come with the film already applied, DIYers can either apply window film to their windows themselves or hire a local window installation professional to apply the film. You can choose between decorative, carbon, metalized, or ceramic films.
Cellular Shades
Cellular shades are shades you hang on the inside of the window. Although they’re not a direct window treatment, the honeycomb texture of the shades creates air pockets between the window and your home. The combination of light-blocking properties and this air-trapping insulation make cellular shades one of the best options for increasing the energy efficiency of your home. They’re easy to install and, while less expensive than replacing windows, they will obscure your outside view when lowered.
Changing Your Windows Entirely
There may be a time when swapping out your windows makes more sense than treating them. If your windows are old, single-pane, or double-pane, you may want to consider changing them out for triple-pane windows. The upfront cost will be greater, but triple-pane windows ensure an energy-efficient home.
Changing out your windows seems drastic, but for many people seriously considering energy efficiency, it is the smartest choice. Expect to spend between $75 and $1,500 per window unit, not including labor. If you decide to go this route, remember that it will always be more cost-effective to replace all the windows in your house at once rather than changing out individual windows or rooms at different times.
Can You Install Windows and Window Treatments Yourself?
Whether or not you can install windows and window treatments yourself depends on the time you have available to dedicate to such a project, your budget, and whether you’re handy with tools and demolition work. Installing windows is not as simple as it seems, and without the proper knowledge, you risk structurally damaging your home. If installed incorrectly, you could also experience a drafty window that’s a hotspot for mold issues.
These problems can cause irreparable damage to your home, which is why most—if not all—people should not install their own windows. Any damage that results easily outweighs any savings on labor and installation. If you’re worried about savings, talk to your contractor. Many window installation companies are able to offer lower rates if you purchase windows directly from the installers.
Installing simple window treatments, however, is absolutely something you can do yourself. Window film and shades are both relatively easy installs that require no special tools or advanced knowledge. For most window treatments, the only tools you’ll need are a sharp knife, a measuring tape, and a heat gun.
The Bottom Line
While plastic window insulation is a popular and inexpensive option for energy-efficient window treatments, it can be time-consuming, prone to damage, and aesthetically unappealing. Fortunately, there are alternatives worth considering. Low-E glass coatings, window film, cellular shades, and triple-pane window replacements offer long-term solutions with enhanced energy efficiency that do not require upkeep or frequent replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Insulating windows with plastic works, but it can be time-consuming, and the end results can—and often do—end up lacking in aesthetics. Window film and caulking your windows to make sure there are no drafts are two options that increase the energy efficiency of your home in a low-cost way. Plastic can be a good strategy while you consider alternatives.
Insulating windows without plastic is usually the better method. Outside of simply replacing your windows, you could buy cellular shades, which trap air between the window and the home, add a window film that blocks UV rays and traps heat, or cover your windows with a low-emissivity coating called “low-E.”
The disadvantages of putting plastic over your windows are that they are time-consuming to install and don’t always have the aesthetic that you may be looking for. The plastic is lightweight and not at all sturdy, so if you have kids or pets, the plastic can rip easily, meaning you’ll need to replace it often. It also doesn’t allow for the freedom of window movement that window film or shades offer. The single advantage that plastic window coverings have is that they are inexpensive and can be simple to install.
No, it isn’t necessary to have energy-efficient windows. However, if you care about your energy bill and making your windows more energy efficient, fixing any heat, UV, or air transfer issues is an excellent way to lower your bills and keep your house cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
