Here is a perfect green-living tip: Easy DIY window insulation you can install yourself, in 4-5 minutes from start to finish for very low cost, using bubble wrap!
photo credit | idea source: Built it Solar *
Today’s tip is to insulate the windows of your home by simply attaching a layer of bubble wrap for winter.
What a BRILLIANT idea for all those basement windows, guest room windows, garage windows and other areas where complete sunlight & a clear view are not that important. This helps the whole house to stay warmer. It is also perfect for your greenhouse.
Use the wrap with larger bubbles for best look-through visibility and artistic effects.
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1, 2, 3 How to Insulate Your Windows w Bubble wrap
Step 1: Measure your windows. This may take a minute or two per window.
Step 2: Cut pieces of bubble wrap to size. This may also take a minute or two per window.
Tip: Want to be super-duper organized? Label or number each piece for easy reuse next winter. If you number each sheet before you store it, you will need to also make a reference chart so you’ll know which goes where next year.
Step 3: Spray water on window and place sized bubble sheets onto window with bubbles facing window. Done. It will dry all by itself and stay in position. Attaching the bubble wrap to the windows just takes 15 seconds per window.
Tip: Just peel it off when no longer needed and store bubble wrap for next year.
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Where to Get Bubble Wrap
Simply Buy Bubble Wrap
First measure all your windows you would like to insulate. The large bubble wrap comes in 12” or 24”. So figure how much you’ll need in total first.
Then, have a quick look on the attic to see what bubble wrap you already have on hand. You could ask local shopkeepers for bubble wrap packaging material that they are throwing away. Usually, they have just smaller bits of bubble wrap however, and I’m sure that you do want to create a patchwork project out of this (wink).
So, back to my initial suggestion of buying your wrap online. Sometimes that is the fastest, most economical, stress-free and environmentally-friendly way of shopping. If you choose to use my affiliate link above to buy the bubble wrap, I would like to thank you as that helps pay for the cost in maintaining the blog and feed the cat.
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Save $ + Save the Environment
You may think that this is all there is to it, and in many ways, it is. However, do check ‘Built it Solar’. They have more nifty info. For example, they offer a method for calculating how much money you’ll save on your annual heating bill. No matter what; you’ll figure through these approximations, your utilities-company will tell you exactly how wonderful your insulation job is, after you have done it.
Last but not least: the environment thanks you for undertaking this project. You are doing your best for a good cause! As well, hang up some thick curtains in winter. That too tends to be a winning investment besides creating a wonderfully finished look to your rooms.
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* Build it Solar
Now, don’t be afraid to visit ‘Build it Solar’. It is a nice non-for-profit environmentally conscious site. Yes, this site is techy rather than showing a flair for home decorating and stylishness. However, I think it is nonetheless good for us, designer-types, who love home decorating with good conscious, to actually browse around there for a while. You may learn something useful about saving energy beyond this simple window insulation idea that would be very worthwhile. Let me know what you think of it.
More Green & Eco-friendly Ideas
Our blog, Fine Craft Guild has over 1000 DIY and craft projects, almost all of which are (/could be) made using recycled materials. So, be sure to browse those and look for eco-friendly tips. Often what is most practical and least expensive is also the most environmentally friendly. So, use that ‘search’ facility or go to the ‘1175+ projects’ menu and browse by subject matter, by season, or by materials.
Tip: when working with materials that are made or treated by humans, always consider the (unwritten) safety instructions. E.g. when sanding treated wood, use a face mask so you are not breathing in particles that should not get into your lungs. Etc. Common sense, but it’s best mentioned.
Some specific projects for those who live consciously:
- DIY Eco-friendly Outdoor Fireplace (Love this!)
- DIY Heating Solar Panels (It’s 1 way of making solar panels … Be sure to read up on this topic before commencing this big project of making your own panels !)
- Vertical Gardening Ideas (A wide range of fun &/or beautiful space-saving ideas)
- How to Root Roses (Ya gotta have roses! With this trick, it’s easy to have tons of ‘m)
- DIY Irrigation System w Recycle Water Bottles (Do this!)
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Enjoy the ‘fine craft of excellent conscious living’.
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