Ways to boost a home’s energy efficiency has become an increasingly important topic for homeowners, both to reduce energy usage and to curb rising energy costs. There are a lot of different home insulation solutions that can address these two needs and installing window insulation panels or inserts are one such solution. Let’s dig into the ins and out of window insulation panels to give you the information you need when considering this home improvement option. 

Window Insulation Panels: The Basics

What Are They?

Window insulation panels are thin sheets of material that are installed on your window frame to create an extra layer of insulation for your window. The panels are usually made from clear acrylic glazing, or clear plastic boards, such as polystyrene or polyurethane. They can be cut to size and attached to the interior window frame, but many more advanced systems encase the clear insulation material in a frame, either vinyl or aluminum, which is inserted into the interior of your window. 

Panels are available in a variety of sizes and thicknesses to fit different size windows. Often seen as a type of interior storm window, they come in a variety of styles that can easily blend into your home decor and fit using a magnetic system to form a tight seal. Some window insulation insert systems have frames that can be painted or have a wood veneer attached to match your home’s décor. 

How Do They Work?

Window insulation panels work by adding an extra layer of insulation to the interior of your window to reduce air transfer from the inside of your home to the outside and vice versa. They are designed to seal out the elements, cutting down on interior heat loss in the winter by insulating gaps and reflecting heat back into the room. In the hotter months, they serve to keep cooler air, especially from the use of home air conditioning systems, from escaping and warmer outside air from coming inside. Overall, they serve to eliminate drafts that can make it more difficult to maintain a consistent inside temperature. 

How Effective Are They?

If you have a drafty window or live in an older home, the panels can cut down on your heat loss by 20 to 50 percent without having to replace your windows. This can be a significant improvement without the significant investment involved in window replacement projects. 

Window Insulation Panels: The Benefits

As an eco-friendly window insulation option, window insulation inserts provide a way for your home to use less energy overall to maintain a comfortable, consistent interior temperature, which in turn provides a clear path for you to reduce your heating and cooling costs. 

Improved Energy Efficiency

Sealing drafts and adding insulation is energy efficiency 101. Windows are notable areas where homes lose heating and cooling. Windows are one of the most common sources of drafts in a home. Also, up to 70 percent of interior heat and 53 percent of air-conditioned air can be lost through your windows. Installing energy efficient window panels can help you conserve energy in your home by providing an extra layer of insulation for windows and seal up this common source of drafts. 

Reduced Heating and Cooling Costs

When you are not leaking interior air into the outside and, in turn, bringing exterior air into your home through drafty windows, your heating and cooling systems need to work a lot less to maintain a consistent indoor temperature. By blocking out drafts and helping you maintain this more consistent interior temperature in your home, window insulation panels easily help in reducing home energy costs. This consistency helps to also make your energy costs more predictable. This is the main way that installing window insulation panels can help you save on heating bills and cooling costs. 

Energy Bill Savings Estimate

According to Energy Star, you can save up to about $583 annually on energy bills by properly insulating your windows. Window insulation inserts can provide the added insulation needed to block out the drafts that can cause your energy costs to rise. For a fairly low-cost investment, you can save on your energy bills over the long run. 

Additional Benefits

There are other added benefits of insulated windows besides improving your home’s energy efficiency and lowering your heating and cooling costs.

Noise Reduction

Added insulation does not only mean that there is less outside air that can get into your home. It also means less outside noise, sometimes up to 80 percent. This can be especially noticeable if your home is located near a higher traffic area.

Less condensation or Ice Build up

By improving the seal around your windows and cutting down on drafts, window insulation inserts can also cut down on condensation and ice build-up, which can damage your home. 

Decreased Dust and Pollen

Decreasing drafts with window insulation panels can also provide protection from excessive dust and pollen getting into your home. If you have allergies, this can be a significant added benefit of installing window inserts in your home. 

A Cost-effective Option

As mentioned earlier, window insulation panels do not require you to replace your windows while still providing the benefits of sealing out drafts. This makes them an affordable option for improving your home’s energy efficiency and lowering how much it costs you to heat and cool your home. Not to mention the other benefits explained above. 

Window Insulation Panels: An Installation Overview

 You can only maximize the benefits of window insulation panels if you can choose the best ones for your specific needs. In the end, you want to choose a product that will help provide the best seal to cut down on drafts and fit in seamlessly with your existing windows. When choosing the best window insulation panels for your home consider your window:

• Size
• Material
• Style

Thermal window panels come in several different sizes and types to fit the insulation needs of your home. Matching up a product that is going to be the best for your style of window, whether double-hung, casement, or sliding windows, is going to not only make your window insulation panels provide maximum functionality, but they will look better as well. 

DIY vs Professional Installation

Window insulation panels are fairly easy to install, especially since you do not have to remove your existing windows to put them in. However, proper installation is key to getting the most out of your investment. What are the pros and cons of installing the panels yourself or hiring a professional?

DIY window insulation panel installation is going to be less expensive than hiring a professional. This can be a good option if you have DIY skills and a good understanding of how your windows function and the insulation panel system works. Do your homework beforehand and make sure to read all instructions. 

Hiring a professional for your window panel installation can be beneficial if you do not have the proper tools or DIY know-how. Also, if you live in an older home and want to make sure you are not going to do anything to compromise its historical features, professional installation is recommended. Older windows can also be irregularly sized or have uncommon features. A professional can help provide better guidance in those situations. 

Window Insulation Panels: Maintenance and Care

Any home improvement project is an investment in your home that comes with a cost. Whenever you make an investment, you want to get the most from the money you put into it. The best way to get the most out of installing window insulation panels is with proper care and maintenance to ensure their longevity and extend their peak performance. Make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and maintaining your panels. Certain cleaning products may degrade panel materials and you will want to avoid using those products. With proper care and maintenance, you should be able to reap the benefits of window insulation panels for many years. 

Window Insulation Panels: The Last Word

As energy usage and costs become more important, so does finding low-cost and effective ways to boost your home’s energy efficiency. Installing window insulation panels can be the home improvement solution you are looking for to lower your energy usage and save you money on your home’s heating and cooling costs. If this seems like the home energy solution for you, Climate Seal can provide you with more information on what will fit your home and budget. They can also help you find other home insulation solutions to further lower your home’s energy costs.