apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

I cant comment as to how well the energy savings work but one thing I have recently pointed out to people. UV kills bacteria and germs.

We have steadily began blocking more and more UV from our homes which must have the effect of drastically increasing the volume of 'bad things' in our homes. Something to consider.

While I haven't personally used energy film, it seems to work on the basic principle of blocking UV light rays. While this might keep your house cooler in summer, by preventing excess energy from getting in, it won't keep your house warmer in winter. It might actually make your house a little colder because UV light that could be warming your house wouldn't be getting in.

The basic principle behind heat shrink window wrap is two-fold. It helps prevent drafts which can be a major source of heat loss and it creates a second layer of insulation for your window, thus increasing its R-value.

the wrap you put over doors and windows and seal with a hair dryer works well.

Last winter I purchased the plastic window wrap made by 3M from the hardware store. Despite claims by my then-landlord that the crap vinyl windows were fabulous, they weren't at all. The plastic wrap worked very well to eliminate the drafts, making the room they were installed in very warm, or warmer at least. It was tricky installing the material, and make sure you have a hairdryer, too (I didn't), plus a 2nd pair of hands is useful, too.

Alas, I have cats that think its fun to poke holes in the plastic wrap, then tear off little strips and eat it. I just can't use it. I was also thinking of using some winterizing caulking. Thank you for the ideas on the film

This video shows you how to do it -- http://tinyurl.com/yf5b54v and YES, it definitely makes a huge difference. Our house is noticably warmer and I think that in the last month our power bill was about $25 less. That's worth it in my book.

I got the mirror-type film for privacy, as well as making my house cooler. I live on a main street in HOT Florida, and I
just love this stuff! No one can see inside, and I can
finally open my shades! Yay!

I used this in my East facing bedroom when I lived in Arizona. It works great! My room did not get nearly as hot, nearly as early in the day. I'm talking 15 degrees difference. Go for it!

After living in Lake Tahoe for many MANY years I can say YES hands down it WORKS. The vinyl is put on to a FRAME that sits snug in the window frame and creates a second or in some cases a third layer of stagnant air that acts as insulation. I used this in my home there (two stories MANY BIG windows) as did many of my friends and neighbors with great success. Kittys aside they should last many years.

Skip

P.S. If the material also happens to block UV that can be a good thing to as the lower sun pokes its head farther into the house and tries to sunbleach your carpet upholstery and flooring