But has anyone tried those thermal curtains as a temporary measure? Wondering if they're worth it until I can find time to recaulk...
I've used thermal curtains before, and honestly, they're decent for cutting drafts a bit, but don't expect miracles. They help more with heat retention than actually blocking airflow. Still, better than nothing until you get around to recaulking...
Thermal curtains can help a bit, but have you considered window film kits? They're pretty cheap and easy to install—just shrink-wrap them with a hairdryer. I know they look kinda goofy, but they actually do a decent job sealing drafts temporarily. Curtains mostly trap heat inside, but if air's actively coming through gaps, film might be more effective until you get around to recaulking. Worth a shot maybe?
Definitely agree window film kits are underrated. I've used them a few winters and honestly, they're pretty effective for something so simple. One extra tip—before you apply the film, try using weatherstripping tape around the edges of the window frame. It fills in those sneaky little gaps where drafts come through. It's cheap and easy too, and combining it with film made a noticeable difference in our drafty guest room last year...worth considering!
I've used window film kits too, and while they're decent for temporary fixes, I'm not entirely convinced they're always the best solution long-term. The weatherstripping tape suggestion is interesting, but from my experience, it can degrade pretty quickly if your windows have moisture issues or condensation buildup. Last winter, I noticed the adhesive started peeling off after just a couple months—probably due to temperature fluctuations or humidity.
Have you considered removable caulk instead? It's designed specifically for sealing gaps temporarily during colder months and peels away cleanly in spring. I've found it to be more durable than weatherstripping tape in rooms with higher humidity levels or older window frames that aren't perfectly square. Just something else to think about...
"Have you considered removable caulk instead? It's designed specifically for sealing gaps temporarily during colder months and peels away cleanly in spring."
Glad someone mentioned removable caulk—I tried it last year after getting frustrated with weatherstripping tape peeling off constantly. Honestly, it was a game changer. My windows are pretty old and uneven, and the caulk filled those awkward gaps way better than tape ever did. Plus, it held up surprisingly well through temperature swings and condensation issues.
I get what you're saying about window film kits too—they're decent but definitely not perfect long-term. Still, they're handy if you're renting or just need something quick and easy. I usually combine the film with removable caulk around the edges for extra insulation, and it's worked pretty well for me.
Anyway, good luck with your windows this winter... I know how annoying drafts can be when you're just trying to stay cozy inside.
Removable caulk definitely seems promising—I haven't tried it myself yet, but after reading your experience, I'm intrigued. My windows aren't exactly new either, and I've always struggled with that annoying tape peeling off after a couple weeks. Thought about window film kits before, but honestly, the idea of wrestling with plastic sheets and a hairdryer every winter doesn't exactly thrill me...
It's reassuring to hear the caulk held up even with temperature swings and condensation. That's always been my worry—would it crack or peel halfway through winter? Seems like you've had good results though, so maybe it's worth a shot this year. I might even try your hybrid approach, combining film with caulk; sounds like it'd cover all bases.
Anyway, thanks for sharing your experience—it's nice to know I'm not alone in battling these drafts. Fingers crossed we all stay warm this winter without breaking the bank on heating bills.
"Thought about window film kits before, but honestly, the idea of wrestling with plastic sheets and a hairdryer every winter doesn't exactly thrill me..."
Haha, I feel you on this! Tried the window film last winter—ended up looking like shrink-wrapped leftovers and peeled off by February. Removable caulk worked way better for me too; just make sure to apply it when it's dry outside. Also, check for hidden gaps around the trim—I found sealing those made a huge difference. Good luck staying cozy this year...
Removable caulk is definitely a solid choice, especially if you hate dealing with plastic film. Another quick fix I've had luck with is foam weatherstripping tape—it's cheap, easy to apply, and you can peel it off in spring without leaving a mess. Just measure carefully and press firmly along the edges. Has anyone tried thermal curtains? I've heard mixed things about them actually making a noticeable difference...
"Has anyone tried thermal curtains? I've heard mixed things about them actually making a noticeable difference..."
I put up thermal curtains in my bedroom last winter, and honestly, they did help a bit—but don't expect miracles. They mostly cut down on drafts around the window area and made the room feel cozier overall. Still, if your windows are really drafty, curtains alone probably won't fix it completely. I'd pair them with weatherstripping or that removable caulk idea (which I'm definitely stealing, btw).
Thermal curtains made a noticeable difference for me, but like others said, they're not a standalone fix. When I first moved into my older apartment, the bedroom window was letting in a crazy amount of cold air—especially noticeable at night. I grabbed some thermal curtains on sale, and they definitely cut down the chill factor around the windows. Still, I ended up adding some weatherstripping tape along the edges too, and that combo worked wonders. I'd say it's worth trying both together if you can swing it...