I spent last winter feeling cold drafts from every window in my house. This year I did something about it. Window covers aren’t glamorous, but they genuinely work for keeping heat in.
The Heat Loss Problem
Windows are terrible insulators compared to walls. Even decent double-pane windows conduct heat out of your house all winter. Single-pane windows in older homes are basically holes in your insulation.
The Department of Energy says about 30% of heating energy escapes through windows. That’s a lot of money floating away while you sit there shivering.
What Actually Works
Thermal curtains are the most noticeable upgrade. They’re heavy, multi-layer curtains designed to create dead air space against the window. You want them to seal against the wall at the sides and puddle at the bottom – gaps defeat the purpose.
Cellular shades have honeycomb-shaped pockets that trap air. They fit tight to the window frame and reduce drafts noticeably. Double-cell versions work better than single-cell.
Window film is the budget option. You tape a plastic sheet to the frame and shrink it tight with a hair dryer. Looks a bit tacky, but it creates an insulating air pocket and costs almost nothing.
How I Use Them
On sunny winter days, I open the south-facing curtains to let solar heat in. Once the sun moves, they close again to trap that warmth.
At night, everything gets covered. That’s when heat loss is worst and you’re not getting any solar gain anyway.
Other Stuff That Helps
Draft snakes along the bottom of windows stop air infiltration. Weatherstripping around the frames seals gaps. Caulking any cracks in the frame or surrounding trim keeps cold air out.
All of this works together. No single fix solves everything, but stacking several improvements makes a real difference in comfort and heating bills.
Measuring the Difference
My heating bill dropped about 15% after treating all my windows. The house feels noticeably less drafty. I stop waking up cold in the middle of the night. Worth the effort.
