- Had similar experiences here—argon-filled windows definitely cut down drafts, but savings were slower than advertised.
- Agree on quality being key. My neighbor went budget-brand and noticed fogging after just 4 years. Mine are mid-range, still clear at year 7.
- Thermal curtains are a hidden gem, honestly. Not the prettiest, but they saved our bedroom during last winter's cold snap...worth every penny.
Good points on thermal curtains—I've recommended them to clients before, and they're usually surprised by how much difference they make. One thing I'd add is checking the window seals every couple of years. Even quality windows can lose efficiency if the seals degrade or crack. A quick inspection and some fresh caulking can really extend their lifespan. Curious if anyone's tried window film kits as a temporary fix during extreme cold snaps...I've heard mixed reviews.
"Curious if anyone's tried window film kits as a temporary fix during extreme cold snaps...I've heard mixed reviews."
Tried those film kits once at my own place during a brutal cold snap. Honestly, wasn't impressed. They helped a bit with drafts, but installation was finicky, and the adhesive left marks when removed. Ended up going old-school—bubble wrap taped to the glass. Looked ridiculous, sure, but surprisingly effective and easy to remove after winter passed. Sometimes simpler is better...
Looked ridiculous, sure, but surprisingly effective and easy to remove after winter passed. Sometimes simpler is better...
I've used those film kits a few times, and yeah, they're definitely hit or miss. The trick is getting the plastic stretched tight enough without tearing it—takes some patience and practice. But when done right, they do cut down on drafts noticeably. Never had issues with adhesive marks myself, maybe depends on the brand? Bubble wrap sounds hilarious but hey, whatever works...might have to try that next cold snap.
I've used those film kits a few times, and yeah, they're definitely hit or miss. The trick is getting the plastic stretched tight enough without tearing it—takes some patience and practice.
I've had mixed experiences with those film kits myself. They do help a bit, but honestly, investing in thermal curtains made a bigger difference for me. Easier to manage, reusable every winter, and no wrestling with plastic sheets...just another option worth considering.
I've tried both film kits and thermal curtains, and honestly, neither really did the trick for me. The film stuff drove me nuts—either I'd tear it putting it up or my cat would decide it was her new favorite scratching toy. Thermal curtains were definitely easier to handle, but they seemed to trap moisture around the window area, which eventually led to some mildew issues.
What finally worked better for me was getting some decent weatherstripping tape and sealing up all the little cracks around the windows. It wasn't a complete miracle fix, but it made a noticeable difference without the hassle of plastic sheets or heavy curtains. Plus, it's cheap enough that if you mess up, you can just rip it off and start over.
Honestly though, short of replacing the windows entirely (which isn't exactly budget-friendly), I think we're all just trying to find the least annoying workaround each winter...
I've had pretty similar experiences. Film kits drove me crazy too—always ended up wrinkling or tearing them, and honestly, the cat thing is spot on. Thermal curtains were okayish, but yeah, the moisture build-up was annoying. I found weatherstripping tape helpful too, especially around older wooden frames that warp a bit with temperature changes.
One thing I added that made a noticeable difference was rope caulk. It's pretty cheap and easy to apply—just press it into any gaps around the frame. The nice part is you can peel it right off when spring rolls around without leaving residue or damaging paint. Also, if you haven't yet, check your window locks. Sounds weird, but I've noticed some windows seal tighter when they're locked properly, cutting down drafts.
I mean, none of these solutions are perfect...but until I win the lottery and can replace all my windows, it's about making winter a bit more bearable.
"Also, if you haven't yet, check your window locks. Sounds weird, but I've noticed some windows seal tighter when they're locked properly, cutting down drafts."
Funny you mention the lock thing—I thought it was just me being paranoid about drafts, but turns out it's legit. Rope caulk sounds interesting; does it really peel off cleanly without messing up the paint? I've been burned before by "easy-to-remove" products that weren't so easy... might give it a shot this winter though. Beats wrestling with plastic film again.
"Rope caulk sounds interesting; does it really peel off cleanly without messing up the paint?"
I've used rope caulk a few winters now, and honestly, it's pretty forgiving stuff. Comes off cleanly most of the time, especially if you don't press it down super hard. Had one spot where it took a tiny flake of paint with it, but that paint was already kinda sketchy anyway... so I can't totally blame the caulk. Definitely beats the plastic film wrestling match—I swear that stuff has a personal vendetta against me.
Had one spot where it took a tiny flake of paint with it, but that paint was already kinda sketchy anyway... so I can't totally blame the caulk.
I've been trying rope caulk this winter too, and gotta say, it's way less rage-inducing than that plastic film stuff. Seriously, whoever invented that shrink-wrap window kit clearly never had to install it themselves... Anyway, the rope caulk peeled off pretty cleanly for me—no paint casualties yet—but I did notice it left a faint residue in one spot. Came off easy enough with a damp cloth though, so no biggie. Beats freezing my butt off all winter.