How Effective Is Window Film At Keeping In Heat?

Whether you're ready or not, the colder months are here, and homeowners everywhere are looking for ways to keep the warmth in and the chill out. Cranking up the thermostat is an option, but it's an expensive one. The median heating bill for Americans has risen to $931 this year — nearly 28% higher than last year's average, says U.S. News. Purchasing a space heater is no less expensive; according to Ventwerx HVAC, warming your home with one is actually pricier than using central heat. This begs the question, how can you warm your home for less?

This is where window film comes in. The product was created with the intention of insulating a home's windows to prevent drafts from coming through. It's relatively cheap and easy to apply (all you need is a hair dryer). It might sound crazy that using a plastic shield protects you from the cold, but once you learn how effective it is at keeping in heat, you'll want to buy a roll of your own.

If you're considering adding window film to your home this year, go for it! Your home stays insulated because the film acts as an extra window pane, therefore sealing in any heat that might leak without it, General Solar Company states. Not only does it insulate the windows, but it reflects and disperses heat, ultimately reducing your home's energy usage. It's important to note that window film won't completely stop the cold air from coming in, but it will do a pretty good job at reducing it.

One of the greatest things about window film is that, unlike other window treatments, it allows natural light to come through. According to Tom's Mechanical, the sun significantly warms up your home, so by blocking the light, you're immediately lowering the temperature. Not only that, but natural sunlight is beneficial to your mental health, Tri-City Medical Center says, so window film can help keep the winter blues away.

Because window film works as an extra form of insulation, you don't need to crank up the temperature on your thermostat, which in turn, lowers the amount of energy needed to heat your home, says IWFA. Reduced energy emissions mean good things for both you and the planet. By lowering the energy usage in your home, you're saving yourself a ton of money, and you don't have to sacrifice your warmth to do it (say goodbye to that $931 heating bill). 

It also decreases the need for fossil fuels, meaning less carbon dioxide levels in the air, NHSaves explains. Keeping you and your family warm and comfortable is important, but it's nice to know you're helping the planet at the same time. With all the benefits it has to offer, we strongly recommend you pick up some window film at your local home improvement store (and hurry — temperatures are dropping as we speak!).