Gotta say, thermal curtains aren't exactly a magic bullet either. Sure, they're easier than wrestling with film, but they can make a room feel kinda dark and closed-in—especially during winter when daylight's already scarce. I've had decent luck with those window insulation kits (the shrink-wrap kind). Yeah, they're not glamorous, but they're cheap, clear, and surprisingly effective. Plus, peeling them off in spring is oddly satisfying... just saying.
Tried those shrink-wrap kits once—didn't go great. My cat decided it was her new scratching post overnight... woke up to shredded plastic everywhere. Back to curtains for me, gloomy or not.
Haha, your cat sounds like mine. I once tried those shrink-wrap kits too, thinking I'd finally outsmart the foggy windows. Worked great for about two days until my dog spotted a squirrel outside and launched himself right through it. Plastic everywhere, dog confused, squirrel totally unfazed. I'm still curious though—has anyone found a pet-proof solution that actually works? Curtains are fine, but man, I miss seeing daylight clearly in winter...
Honestly, shrink-wrap kits are always a gamble with pets around. I've seen plenty of clients try them, and it's usually the same story—pets win, plastic loses. If you're serious about clear views and insulation, upgrading to double-pane or triple-pane windows is really the best long-term solution. They're sturdy enough to handle excited pets (and squirrels), plus they genuinely cut down on condensation issues. But I get it, that's a bigger investment... Have you considered interior storm windows? They're tougher than plastic film and still removable when spring hits. Curious if anyone here's tried those yet.
Interior storm windows sound interesting, but how easy are they to actually remove? I mean, are we talking quick weekend chore or full afternoon project... asking as someone who's admittedly a bit lazy about seasonal tasks.
Honestly, interior storms aren't really the quick fix they're made out to be. Sure, you can pop some types off pretty fast, but others—especially if they're custom-fit or sealed—can be a bit of a hassle. I've seen folks struggle for hours thinking it'd be a simple job. If you're wanting something truly low-maintenance, you might consider window films instead. Cheaper, quicker, and no seasonal wrestling match involved... just my two cents.
Totally agree on the interior storms being trickier than advertised. I've installed a few myself, and while they do help with insulation, the hassle factor isn't negligible—especially if your windows aren't perfectly square (which is surprisingly common in older homes). Window films are definitely easier, though keep in mind they're not as effective for insulation as proper storm windows. Still, for quick fog control and condensation reduction without breaking the bank or your patience, films are a solid choice.
- Good points, but honestly, I've found window films pretty underwhelming for condensation. They help a bit, sure, but I still end up wiping down windows most mornings... Maybe it's just my house's humidity levels? Considering a dehumidifier next winter.
I've had pretty decent luck with window films, actually. A couple things made a difference for me:
- Made sure to apply them super carefully—no gaps or bubbles. Even tiny gaps let moisture sneak in.
- Paired them with heavier curtains at night to trap warmer air near the glass.
- Checked humidity levels regularly; anything above 50% indoors and you're fighting an uphill battle.
Still get some condensation on really cold mornings, but it's way less than before. Might be worth tweaking your setup before investing in a dehumidifier...
Sounds like you've got a pretty solid system going there. I'm curious though—have you noticed any difference in condensation between windows facing different directions? Sometimes north-facing windows can be trickier since they stay colder. Window films definitely help, but they aren't always a silver bullet if the frames or seals are compromised. Still, your point about humidity is spot-on...keeping it below 50% is key. Glad you're seeing improvements without jumping straight to a dehumidifier—that's a win right there.