Window kits can be a quick method to insulate your windows before winter so you feel warm and cozy inside your home. But what makes a high-quality window insulation kit? Is it the material, ease of use, or just resistance? With many people asking “what are the best window insulation kits,” we came up with a roundup of the top rated window insulation kits on the market.
When selecting the best window insulation kits to include in our roundup, we looked at a variety of features including the type of kit, visibility, reusability, the number of strips you get in a kit, and dimensions. We also considered how easy it is to apply the film to the window. Hopefully our choice of best 8 window insulation kits will make it easier for you to find the right one for your home. Now let’s have a closer look at the best window insulation kits for winter.
More features: suitable for five 3′ x 5′ windows, for use on painted or finished wood, aluminum or vinyl, available in XL for large windows or patio doors and 3, 5 and 10 packs for standard size windows
Our editor’s choice is the Duck Brand Indoor 5-Window Shrink Film Insulator Kit, in our opinion the best window insulation kit on the market for multiple reasons. This energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly product does an excellent job at reducing the heating costs for your home. By using this kit, you will be able to insulate your windows effectively to seal out drafts and cold. The crystal clear film included in this kit creates a highly efficient barrier between the outside and your home.
The Duck Brand Indoor 5-Window Shrink Film Insulator Kit is suitable for five 3′ x 5′ windows and it can be used on a wide variety of surfaces, including aluminum, vinyl, and painted or finished wood. You can also purchase it in XL variants that are suitable for patio doors or large windows. We liked that the kit is very easy to use and that it comes with crystal-clear instructions so you can install it quickly even if you’ve never used this type of product before. It comes with all the necessary tape for installation.
Most of the users who tested the Duck Brand Indoor 5-Window Shrink Film Insulator Kit liked that the clear film doesn’t interrupt the aesthetic of the windows. Before installing this insulation kit, make sure you read the instructions carefully, because it might not be effective if you don’t install it correctly. This kit requires a hair dryer for installation.
More features: suitable for five 3′ x 5′ windows, increasing the R-value of single pane window by 90%, produced in the USA
This lightly tinted window insulator kit from 3M offers excellent value for money and is available in a number of indoor and outdoor window sizes. The 3M Indoor Window Insulator Kit does a good job at keeping cold drafts out thanks to the double sized tape that holds well between surfaces and films. We liked that the film is very clear and you can’t really notice it on the windows. Besides keeping the warm air in and the cold out, the 3M Indoor Window Insulator Kit also prevents frost build-up and reduces condensation.
This very popular kit is manufactured in the USA and can increase the R-value of single pane windows by 90%. The 3M Indoor Window Insulator Kit is suitable for five 3′ x 5′ windows and is very easy to install. Its efficiency depends on the way you install it, so make sure that you follow all the instructions provided by the manufacturer regarding installation.
The 3M Indoor Window Insulator Kit features a ready-to-peel liner that adheres to a variety of surfaces and remains in place until you remove it. Both the film and the tape should be removed at the end of the season. This kit is an excellent choice for old windows and users who tested it were overall very happy with the results.
More features: suitable for five windows
If you’re looking for the best window insulation kit for winter on a budget, the M-D Building Products 4200 is definitely the right choice. Suitable for up to five windows, this insulation kit is lightly tinted, but nevertheless it provides crystal clear visibility. The kit does an excellent job at preventing cold drafts and heat loss and can increase the R-value up to 90%.
The M-D Building Products 4200 insulation kit is not reusable, which means that you need to take it off the windows at the end of the cold season. It comes with the required tape for installation and even though some users mentioned that it may be a bit difficult to install it, many of them agree that it does a decent job for the price.
The strong plastic the M-D Building Products 4200 is made from holds strong and most reviewers mentioned the film was still in great shape at the end of winter. When installing this window insulation kit, you need to be careful about the amount of heat you apply, as too much heat can melt it. You will need a hair dryer to install the M-D Building Products 4200.
More features: easily installs on metal, painted or varnished wood or vinyl clad frames, double-faced tape included, lifetime warranty
The Frost King V73/9H Indoor Shrink Window Kit is one of the most versatile window insulation kits we tested, and it’s ideal for all kinds of windows, including basement windows, picture windows, standard windows and patio doors. The lightly tinted film provides crystal clear visibility and unlike many of the other kits on the market, it is possible to reuse it.
You can easily install the Frost King V73/9H Indoor Shrink Window Kit on a variety of surfaces, including mental, vinyl clad frames, and both painted and varnished wood. All you need to shrink the kit to a window is a hand-held hairdryer.
Most of the users who tested and reviewed the Frost King V73/9H Indoor Shrink Window Kit appreciated that the kit comes with comprehensive installation instructions and is overall very easy to use. Some users mentioned that the tape is not of the highest quality, as it loses its hold rather easily. Nevertheless, most users mentioned that once the film is in place, there’s a positive effect on the temperature in the room.
More features: TPU material, wide range of applications, fit size up to 37 x 85 inch max
The MAGZO Adjustable TPU Window Insulation Kit is one of the few kits available on the market that doesn’t require a hair dryer during the installation process. This means that it is possible to adjust it after installation, and even remove it and reuse it next winter. The film included in the kit is made of thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer, a material that’s known for its strength, durability, and resistance to cold temperatures.
We liked that the MAGZO Adjustable TPU Window Insulation Kit is a long-lasting kit that allows you to reuse it for multiple seasons before replacing it. The installation is similar to that of other kits. All you need to do is apply the tape around the window edges and then apply tape to fix the film in place. The MAGZO Adjustable TPU Window Insulation Kit is a bit more expensive than other kits, but you can save money with it in the long run because you don’t have to purchase a new kit every year.
The MAGZO Adjustable TPU Window Insulation Kit can be used for different purposes, not just the windows of your home. Some of the applications include cars, cash desks, cafeterias and more. You can use it on different kinds of doors and windows, as well as in sliding doors, entry doors, French doors, glass window frame, balconies and more.
More features: insulates up to 7 standard windows, available in smaller size
The Thermwell V8425 is an ideal choice if you’re looking for the best window insulation kit for large windows. This lightly tinted kit offers crystal clear visibility and it is possible to reuse it. The product is easy to apply with the help of a portable hair dryer and many reviewers mentioned that it is not difficult to shrink it tight and clear.
You can use the Thermwell V8425 insulation kit on a wide range of windows, including French doors and other large windows. With this kit, you don’t have to fiddle with using multiple smaller films to cover large surfaces. The Thermwell V8425 is easy to install with the help of a handheld hair dryer and it comes with all the tape required for installation. With a single kit, you can insulate a surface equivalent to seven standard windows, but smaller sizes are available as well.
The Thermwell V8425 is made from quality, sturdy plastic, and reviewers often mention that the material is thick and does a good job at retaining heat in the home. The transparency is very good, but most users noticed that you need to spend a couple of minutes with the hair dryer in order to shrink it enough to become transparent.
More features: suitable for three 3′ x 5′ windows, heavy duty
The Duck MAX Strength Heavy Duty Insulating Film Window Kit is a lightly tinted window installation kit that is suitable for patio doors and multiple window sizes. By installing this kit on the windows, your windows will not have any energy loss. The tape that comes in the kit is very sturdy and resistant to damage, while also being a suitable choice for pet-friendly households and high-traffic areas.
The Duck MAX Strength Heavy Duty Insulating Film Window Kit is not visible on the windows as it is completely transparent. To install it, you’ll need a hair dryer to get rid of the wrinkles on the surface of the window. The tape is a suitable choice for both standard and large doors and it comes in multiple sizes that go up to an XL pack.
Reviewers mentioned that the Duck MAX Strength Heavy Duty Insulating Film Window Kit is a heavy duty one and can raise the temperature in a room or even a basement by a couple degrees by sealing it from the outside cold and draft. Some users mentioned that the tape might not stick perfectly, but once the film is in place, it does a good job at retaining the heat in the room.
More features: available in different sizes, fits windows up to 55” x 36”, magnetic tape, roll of grooved magnetic strip, roll of plastic strip, bag of accessories included, EVA material, suitable for most window types, such as aluminum window frame, wrought iron grills, sliding window, casement window, bathroom/toilet window, Single/Double hung windows, sliding windows, casement windows, curved/balcony windows, etc. Best solution for European windows
If you’re looking for a magnetic window insulation kit, the NeatiEase Magnetic Window Insulation Kit is the best choice currently available on the market. This effective window insulation kit is ideal for winterizing, but it also does a good job at keeping the air cool when you use the air conditioner in the summer. It is a kit suitable for a wide range of window types, including wrought iron grills, casement windows, aluminum window frames, and more.
The NeatiEase Magnetic Window Insulation Kit is made of high-quality EVA plastic material that is environmentally friendly and very easy to maintain. To remove dust, just wipe the windows with a wet cloth. Because of the magnetic tape that’s included in the kit, you can easily install this kit in 15 minutes. The product comes with comprehensive installation instructions and it’s easy to install even if you haven’t used this type of product before.
Many of the users who reviewed the NeatiEase Magnetic Window Insulation Kit mentioned that they noticed an increase of 5 to 10 degrees in the warmth of the room after installing the product. The window installation kit is available in multiple sizes and you can replace the film with mesh screen to transform it into window screens.
There are multiple products to choose from when shopping for window insulation kits, but how do you decide which model is suitable for the windows in your home? The purpose for which you’re considering buying a plastic film windows insulation may vary from wanting to keep the heat from escaping via a poorly insulated window to escaping draft to keeping the temperature constant in a room where air conditioning is used. No matter the reason for which you’re looking for an insulation kit, our buying guide will help make the right choice.
A window insulation kit is an excellent way to fix old, drafts windows that make you uncomfortable during winter and raise your electricity bills at the same time. By using these kits, you can insulate your windows on a seasonal basis.
These kits use plastic films pool trap air between the film and the window glass and seal out the weather. Because the layer created acts as an insulator, it can boost the R-value of a single pane window significantly. What’s even better is that these kits are very easy to install as all you need to do is apply the filter to the inside or outside of the window before winter and remove it when the warm weather comes.
The advantages of plastic window films include:
Window insulation kits have some cons as well, including:
Even though many people use the terms insulation and draft blocking interchangeably, there are several differences between these two processes. Draft proofing generally refers to the process of using special tape to insulate around the frames of the window, without touching the glass. With a window installation kit, the entire surface is covered, including the glass of the window, which contributes to the increase of temperature inside.
As with any home improvement product, there are many features to consider before choosing a window insulation kit. These include the type and visibility of film used to cover the windows, dimensions and number of windows you need to cover, film thickness, ease of application, whether you can reuse it or not, and price.
There are two main styles of window insulation kits available on the market, lightly tinted and silver tinted. Many users prefer the lightly tinted models, which most of the models included in our top are, because you can barely notice they are on the windows. Silver tinted insulation kits are often working great for summer as they bounce back the sunlight so it doesn’t get into your room.
Insulation kits work by locking a layer of air between the film and the window, thus blocking cold and drafts. To create the air pockets, you put the film directly on the window and then use a handheld hairdryer to seal it.
When buying window insulation kits, you need to pay close attention to the number of windows you need to cover as well as their dimensions. Some models only work on a particular type of window, whereas others are highly versatile and are easy to use on numerous types of windows as well as French doors and even car windows. For example, the MAGZO Adjustable TPU Window Insulation Kit can be used for multiple purposes including cars, cash desks, cafeterias and more.
Not all window insulation kits come with film of the same thickness, but it’s important to go for a thick model if possible, because this increases the film’s durability. The Thermwell V8425 is one of the models we reviewed that has a thick, heavy-duty plastic film that received lots of praise from users.
Because installing insulation film on windows requires patience, it’s important to make your life simpler and go for a kit that is easy to apply. Most of the models we tested come with comprehensive instructions to get you started and it should not take more than 15 minutes to apply the film for one window. Some examples of kits that are easy to install include the Frost King V73/9H Indoor Shrink Window Kit and NeatiEase Magnetic Window Insulation Kit, which comes with magnetic tape for extra easy insulation. Some brands offer instructional videos on their websites that explain the installation process in detail.
Some models, such as the MAGZO Adjustable TPU Window Insulation, can be removed from the window and reused the following year.
All you need to do to place it back on the window is some extra tape. But as a rule of thumb, the majority of window insulation kits available on the market are not reusable, which means that you will need to buy new kits every winter.
The price of window insulation kits varies according to the brand, dimensions, and whether the kit is reusable. The MAGZO Adjustable TPU Window Insulation, for example, is pricier than other models, but it is possible to reuse it. You can expect to pay anything between 47 and $30 for a window insulation kit.
Insulating your windows with plastic makes a lot of sense taking into account the fact that you can save up to $15 per window during winter, especially if you live in a drafty house.
Here are some tips that will help you insulate your window successfully.
Most of the window installation kit available on the market come with everything you need to complete the operation. Sometimes you may need extra window tape, depending on the size of your windows. Also depending on the layout of your home you may need a ladder and an extra set of hands. The vast majority of window installation kits we reviewed require a hairdryer, so make sure you have one at hand.
Before deciding which window insulation kit you want to install, measure each window carefully because plastic sheeting comes in many different configurations and in most cases a kit may work for different types of windows.
Make sure that the frame and sill of the window are completely dry and apply the date to the window frame according to the instructions of the manufacturer. You should then lay the plastic sheeting on a dust-free surface and cut it to fit your window measurements. Cover the window completely and then go back and press it firmly to ensure it holds well.
Next, set your hairdryer to high heat and run it continuously over the plastic, approximately 5 inches away from the surface. Don’t stay in one area for more than a couple of seconds to avoid melting the plastic. Remove as many wrinkles as you can and finally trim any of the excess plastic by holding your scissors close to the window frame.
After reviewing the best products available on the market, we concluded that the Duck Brand Indoor 5-Window Shrink Film Insulator Kit is the best choice for most users. This lightly tinted window kit is environmentally-friendly and can be used on a wide range of windows. It is also very easy to cut and install, and the result is a completely clear, wrinkle-free window.
In second place, we have the 3M Indoor Window Insulator Kit, our best value for money kit. This very popular kit is highly efficient and easy to install, and in most of the cases, you can’t even notice it’s on the window. Finally, if you’re looking for the best window insulation kits and you’re on budget, the M-D Building Products 4200 is definitely the right choice. This affordable kit is suitable for up to five windows and can increase the R-value up to 90%.
