8 Best Window Insulation Kits [Reviewed & Buyer’s Guide]
Are you tired of racking up excessively high energy bills during winter? Well, we’ve got just the thing for you. In most circumstances, the windows in our house are not entirely insulated which leads to air leaks and cold drafts escaping into the house. This, alternatively, increases the consumption of heating devices and ultimately leads […]
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Are you tired of racking up excessively high energy bills during winter? Well, we’ve got just the thing for you.
In most circumstances, the windows in our house are not entirely insulated which leads to air leaks and cold drafts escaping into the house. This, alternatively, increases the consumption of heating devices and ultimately leads to very high heating costs, especially during the winter months.
Purchasing and installing a window insulation kit, in this context, is an effective and budget-friendly way to keep your home warm and toasty but also a great solution to soundproof your windows and reduce noise from the outside. This kit is not only DIY-friendly and compatible with most windows but it also seals in heat emitted by the sun and conserves energy in the process.
But how do you figure out the right window insulation kit to invest in? To answer your question, we have compiled a meticulous guide discussing 8 of the best window insulation kits available.
So, without further ado, let’s jump right into it, shall we?
Best Window Insulation Kits
Here is the list of the 8 best window insulation kits that you can use to save money on your energy bill and improve the comfort of your home.
1. Duck Brand 286217
The Duck Brand is a reputable company known to manufacture weatherization products for American homes. It has consequently developed a versatile window insulation kit that is compatible with and thereby can be installed on a variety of different doors and windows.
- Reduce your energy costs by insulating your windows
- Crystal clear film heat shrinks to seal out drafts and cold
Why Did We Like It?
With the onset of winter, it can be really difficult to keep your homes warm without amping up the energy bill. But this window insulation kit comes packaged with a comprehensive instruction guide, making it easy to install and efficiently insulate your house in no time.
The crystal clear film included in this kit readily lets the sunlight and heat enter your home, all the while insulating it from further escaping outside. Moreover, this film can effectively cover up to 5 windows having the dimensions of 3′ x 5′ and block cold air drafts from leaking into your home.
Furthermore, the double-sided tape provided in this kit can be easily applied on a wide variety of surfaces, including painted or finished wood, vinyl, and aluminum. It’s also simultaneously very easily removable and does not strip out any paint or ruin finishes in the process. This tape therefore effectively seals the room and does not allow the warm indoor air to escape or the cold outdoor air to enter.
What Could’ve Been Better?
The adhesiveness of the double-sided tape provided in this kit is a little weak. This, therefore, leads the film to slip off the tape or the tape to come off the wall in just a few short weeks after installation. Hence, chances are, this insulation setup might not last you the entirety of winter like it’s supposed to.
- Increases energy efficiency and reduces costs
- Made of earth-friendly material
- Seals out cold drafts and air leaks
- Easy to apply and remove
- Low-quality adhesiveness
2. 3M 2141W-6
3M has developed a window insulating kit that utilizes one of the most high-performing insulating technologies in the market. It comes equipped with a clear film, along with a heavy-duty roll of double-sided scotch tape to help you install it.
- Saves energy and reduces heating costs
- Reduces condensation and prevents frost buildup
Why Did We Like It?
First of all, we would like to mention that the window film included in this kit is one of the clearest and most effective insulating films on our guide today. Once applied to the tape, it needs to be patiently heated with a hairdryer and readjusted accordingly to achieve a smooth and stretched-out look. Moreover, this film considerably lowers condensation and prevents the build-up of frost on the windows.
The double-sided scotch tape, on the other hand, has unparalleled adhesiveness that makes it incredibly easy to install and facilitates creating an airtight teal seal around the film. This leads to the formation of a secure seal that neither allows warm air to escape the room nor cold air/drafts to enter.
Hence, the heavy-duty insulation provided by this kit allows you to readjust your thermostat to a low energy-consuming setting. Consequently, this action considerably reduces your energy consumption and thereby lowers the value of your utility bills in the long run.
What Could’ve Been Better?
The clear film in this kit, much like in the Duck Brand above, needs to be smoothed out with a hairdryer after application. However, some customers have lamented saying that it remains wrinkly no matter how much you blow dry it, which gives your windows an overall shabby look.
- Fast and simple installation process
- Reduces condensation and thereby prevents frost build-up
- Helps you save on heating costs
- Keeps cold air out and warm air in
- Durable and lasts throughout the season
- Clear film is difficult to smoothen out
3. Duck MAX Strength 284351
As we mentioned earlier, Duck Brand is one of the most reliable companies when it comes to the production of weather solutions commodities. This window insulation kit manufactured by them in the variant MAX Strength creates a heavy-duty barrier to obstruct the entrance of cold air inside the house.
- Insulates up to three 3 feet by 5 feet windows to block...
- Kit includes: heavy-duty film and window kit tape
Why Did We Like It?
This window insulation kit, as compared to the previously reviewed Duck Brand kit, has a more durable structure. The shrinking film that is a part of this kit is thick and puncture-resistant and therefore more long-lasting and ideal for homes with young children and pets.
Furthermore, the double-sided tape provided as a part of this kit has a unique adhesive quality that makes it especially easy to remove after usage. It leaves no marks and does not ruin any finishes and hence can be safely applied to a variety of different surfaces.
What’s more? This kit is very easy to install and comes equipped with a comprehensive set of instructions. Additionally, the transparent film is very easily shrinkable with a hairdryer and provides a smooth and professional look to all your insulated windows.
What Could’ve Been Better?
This insulation kit, much like the other Duck Brand insulation kit we reviewed above, has a tape with low-quality adhesiveness. This considerably reduces the longevity of the product as it tends to allow the film to fall off after only a couple of weeks of usage.
- Removes cleanly and easily at the end of the season
- Effectively seals your home
- Simple and straightforward to install
- Thicker and puncture-resistant film
- Easy to shrink up
- Weak adhesiveness of the tape
4. Frost King V73/9H
Frost King offers you an affordable yet effective solution to shield your home from the extreme cold of winter. This insulation kit developed by them consists of 9 clear sheets and a roll of double-sided tape to facilitate a simple installation process.
- This product adds a great value
- Product is highly durable and very easy to use
Why Did We Like It?
The sheets provided in this kit are of standard size and can cover a variety of different window sizes effectively. They offer great versatility and can be installed on basement windows, standard windows, or even on patio doors.
Since the sheets are crystal clear they give you an unclouded vision of the outside without compromising on the warmth of the room temperature. Apart from that, the translucency of the sheet also allows sunlight to enter the room which is always an absolute requirement during winter.
Moving onto the double-sided tape, it has excellent sealing properties that firmly hold the sheet on all four sides of the window. The adhesiveness on this tape is tempered and therefore it can be put on painted or varnished wood, vinyl frames, or even on metals. The only point to be kept in mind is the surface should be grease-free and clean to provide better adhesion.
Last but not least, this kit comes equipped with a limited lifetime warranty, making it one of the most dependable insulation kits on our guide today.
What Could’ve Been Better?
Most grievances shared by customers are regarding the subpar adhesiveness of the tape. This has ultimately forced users to separately buy tape again from the local stationery stores. In a couple of instances, users noticed the adhesive leaving marks on the metal or wood after the plastic was taken off.
- Quick and easy to install
- A budget-friendly product
- Transparency of film allows sunlight to enter and for us to see the outside
- Keeps rooms 35% warmer than usual
- The adhesiveness of the tape needs improvement
5. XFasten TWST230
XFasten initially started off in 2015 as a small company providing adhesive solutions to the average American citizen. Since then, however, they have grown considerably as a brand that now offers a wide selection of products ranging from safety tapes to carpet tapes.
- STRONG BUT SURFACE-SAFE ADHESIVE. Transparent weather...
- AIRTIGHT WEATHER STRIPPING TAPE. The XFasten...
Why Did We Like It?
XFasten’s motto is to provide its customers with simple solutions to everyday problems and hence has developed a unique weather-sealing tape for everyday insulation. This product is quite the steal and is perfect for sealing any kind of leakage from windows. The tape is in fact, weather-resistant and therefore works great under a variety of stress conditions.
Furthermore, this adhesive is incredibly easy to use, and hence easy to install and even easier to remove. You can simply seal all the windows of your house that are prone to leaks and gaps before the onset of the winter. Additionally, this tape also works by sealing out exceptionally cold temperatures starting from -17 degrees centigrade.
But wait, that’s not all! Because this tape is not only effective in keeping out the cold, but is also great at blocking smog, dust, or even warm air from entering an air-conditioned room. Apart from that, the adhesive side of the tape does not ruin surfaces and leaves no residue post-removal, which we love.
What Could’ve Been Better?
This sealing tape is not recommended for exterior use as water tends to seep in and get clogged very easily whenever it’s applied. Furthermore, since it’s made of plastic one must not use it as an insulation coating for electrical wires.
- Residue-free adhesion
- Extreme heavy-duty bonding on any given surface
- Long-lasting and durable
- Tear-resistant and weatherproof
- Provides air-tight sealing
- Only for interior use
6. Duck Brand 281075
Duck Brand has released a single roll of double-sided replacement tape to help you efficiently seal your homes when paired with their previously discussed insulation kits. This modest indoor tape has the ability to provide you with effective insulation for a full season.
- Duck Brand window kit indoor replacement tape is...
- Adheres well to painted/varnished wood
Why Did We Like It?
This double-sided tape is essentially meant to act as a replacement for the tape provided in their previously mentioned insulation kits. The clear and transparent look of this tape does not stand out and efficiently blends into the décor of the room you apply it in.
Furthermore, this product is remarkably convenient to apply and helps in completely sealing windows of all sizes. It is built to be specifically applied on wooden surfaces including clean ones. painted, or varnished wood. Additionally, the double-sided adhesiveness holds the plastic sheets more securely against the window to provide optimum insulation.
But what’s more? The enhanced insulation properties of this tape can keep rooms warm and comfortable while saving you money and energy in the process. Apart from that, the tape can also be used to keep the heat during summers at temperatures above 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
What Could’ve Been Better?
The tape is meant for interior use only and can be applied on a very limited number of surfaces. The brand clearly advises against applying this tape on plaster, drywall, and unsealed wood. Hence, application on these surfaces may lead to damage and an adhesive residue being left behind.
- Easy to use
- Good adhesive quality
- Value for money
- Versatile usage
- Cannot be applied on all surfaces
7. LBG Products Window Foam Insulation Panels
This innovative insulation kit by LBG consists of 2 large black foam panels that are meant to be installed against the windows. It is built to keep unwanted air from entering the house in order to keep it comfortable inside.
- [✔Universal Design]：Air Conditioner Side Insulating...
- [✔Keep House Comfortable]:Work like a window seal,seal out...
Why Did We Like It?
These foam insulation panels are one of the simplest insulation kits to install and use. Equipped with highly adhesive side channels, all you have to do is peel off the tape sticker and apply it to the window unit of your choice. Most consumers appreciate the sturdy and well-designed paneling of this insulation that comes in use for multiple purposes.
Furthermore, the foam panels in this kit are pretty thick and therefore give good insulation against both cold winters and hot summers. The large and opaque build of this panel keeps the sunlight out entirely and leaves the temperature of the room entirely on the thermostat. This alternatively helps many households save money on electricity.
What’s more? The foam panels in this kit are also anti-vibration and can effectively control vibrations and absorb noise made by household appliances like air conditioners. Hence, in a way, it also works as a noise-canceling or soundproofing panel.
What Could’ve Been Better?
It’s important to remember that the foam in this kit is not waterproof and hence cannot be installed outdoors. If set up outside, it will get ruined at the first of the rain. A few consumers also felt that this product is like any regular and hence too high-priced for its quality.
- Anti-vibration and noise absorbing
- Can be cut easily as per requirement
- Strong adhesive and no residue
- Self-stick side channels
- Windproof and dustproof
- Not waterproof
8. Fowong Grey Foam Tape
This gray tape by Fowong is made of neoprene rubber foam and is therefore completely weatherproof by nature. It comes packaged in 2-roll sets and is perfect for insulating gaps between the air conditioner and the window as well as for door gaskets.
- 2 ROLLS VALUE PACK - foam weather seal, includes 2 Roll of...
- STRONG ADHESIVE FOAM TAPE - Waterproof, non-degumming,...
Why Did We Like It?
This insulation tape by Fowong is very soft and thereby can be customized and applied as per your needs and requirements. You can easily cut it with a pair of scissors or blades making it extremely easy to install and use. Additionally, the tape has an extremely strong adhesive side and is waterproof making it ideal for a versatile set of purposes.
But that’s not all! This product is also oil-resistant, flame-retardant, dustproof, corrosion-resistant, shock-absorbent, anti-skidding, and sound dampening. You can use this to seal or insulate sliding doors, garage doors, or windows to keep your room cozy and comfortable. It also insulates effectively enough to reduce energy consumption and thereby save you on your electricity bills.
If that wasn’t enough, this foam tape can work well within a temperature range of -50 degrees Centigrade to 150 degrees Centigrade making it exceptionally versatile. Fowong additionally provides a dedicated service and warranty, assuring us of extended and durable performance.
What Could’ve Been Better?
Some consumers have expressed that the thickness of this tape is not enough to seal the doors and windows. At times the tape gets compressed where the door touches and it peels off in a short while. Additionally, it may also peel off easily when not applied to cleaned and dried surfaces.
- Extremely flexible
- High durability and great insulation
- 30% more resilience than its counterparts
- Can be applied easily
- Value for money
- Gets compressed easily
Best Window Insulation Kit Comparison Table
| Product | Size | Coverage | Material | Transparent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duck Brand 286217 | 62″ x 210″ | 5 Windows | Plastic | Yes |
| 3M 2141W-6 | 62″ x 210″ | 5 Windows | Plastic | Yes |
| Duck MAX Strength 284351 | 62″ x 126″ | 3 Windows | Plastic | Yes |
| Frost King V73/9H | 42″ x 62″ | 9 Windows | Plastic | Yes |
| XFasten TWST230 | 2” x 1080″ | N/A | Plastic | Yes |
| Duck Brand 281075 | 0.5″ x 288″ | N/A | Polyethylene | Yes |
| LBG Products Insulation Panels | 17″ x 9″ x 3.1″ | 2 Panel Frames | Foam | No |
| Fowong Grey Foam Tape | 0.50″ x 0.25″ x 156″ | N/A | CR Foam & Neoprene | No |
Buying Guide For The Best Window Insulation Kit
Purchasing the right window insulation kit can be quite a confusing task, especially considering the diverse kinds of kits available in the market. For this reason, we have compiled a comprehensive buyer’s guide listing out all the important factors to contemplate. These pointers will help narrow down the options so that you can buy the right product for yourself. So, what are we waiting for? Let’s jump right into it!
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Transparency
The transparency of the film determines how much sunlight can enter the room. The more transparent or crystal clear the film is, the higher the rate of sunlight and heat dispersed within the room. Alternatively, the more opaque it is, the cooler your room stays because of its ability to actively block out sunlight.
Hence it is essential to check customer reviews and the manufacturer’s description to ascertain the transparency level of the sheet. This will enable you to buy a kit according to your personal requirements and insulation criteria.
-
Reusability
Window insulation kits are mainly used only during the colder winter months and hence most of the kits available are meant for one-time use only. However, if buying a kit every consequent year doesn’t sound appealing, you can always invest in one that can be reused for multiple seasons.
While these kits tend to cost more than their counterparts, they considerably reduce your overall expenses. Additionally, they also lower the amount of waste produced and hence are better for the environment.
-
Effectiveness of Sealing
The sealing properties of your window insulation kit are very important factors to consider while purchasing one. This feature determines how effectively your product can keep out cold air from inside your home while keeping the temperature consistently warm. Look for details regarding the airlock properties in order to get a better idea of how good the sealant is.
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Installation and Removal Process
It is essential to look for a window insulation kit that facilitates easy installation and removal especially if you are planning to do it by yourself. This process will mainly depend on how good the materials provided in your kit are since flimsy materials are usually more troublesome to install. Alternatively, you must also look for products that cause the minimum amount of damage to your windows and walls upon removal.
-
Longevity
The longevity of a product can only be ascertained by comparing the reviews posted by consumers. It is crucial to invest in an insulation kit that is of high quality and lasts for at least a couple of months at a stretch. This will enable you to avoid constantly repurchasing and reapplying to the same product in a short duration over and over again.
Conclusion
Hence, it is safe to say that window insulation kits are an extremely handy product to have, especially in areas known for excruciating winters. These offer an affordable yet effective solution to keeping the interiors of your home warm and your energy bills down.
However, before we take our leave we wanted to highlight a couple of our hot favorite products. XFasten TWST230 is by far one of the highest performing products on our guide but is also a little expensive to buy.
Duck MAX Strength 284351, on the other hand, is one of the most affordable yet effective kits we have reviewed. We also wanted to specially mention 3M and Frost King V73/9H for their sustained popularity and durable performance in the long run.
So, with that, we come to the end of our comprehensive guide for window insulation kits. Hope this helps. See you next time!
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