How to Keep Cold Air from Coming Through Windows
Older windows, even some newer windows, can let cold air right into your home. It happens because of cracks, failed seals, and poor insulation. If you’re trying to fix this problem by putting bubble wrap on windows, you can do better. Read on for how to keep cold air from coming through windows.
Bubble Wrap Windows
Adding bubble wrap or saran wrap to your windows does help insulate them, but not very well. And these fixes look sloppy, especially when they have to be done over each year, leaving adhesive marks or chipped paint.
What bubble wrap can’t do, is create dead air space between it and your window. That’s a big reason why double-pane windows insulate better than single-pane, the space between the panes. When trying to keep cold from coming through your windows, you want to add layers – of material AND air.
Understand R Value vs. U Value
The way your house feels depends on the make-up of your house: wall and attic insulation, double or single-pane windows. All of these have an R value and a U value that together make the mean radiant room temperature.
R value measures heat resistance and U value measures heat transference. A low U value (transfer of heat) and high R value (resistance to heat transfer) is ideal for high surface temperature. Together, these give us the combined effectiveness of the materials in insulating a room and our perceived temperature.
Mean radiant room temperature expresses the influence of all surface temperatures on comfort. That’s why someone sitting next to a window can be cold while someone across the room is fine. No matter what the thermostat says, if your windows aren’t insulated, you will have a low perceived temperature and comfort level.
How to Keep Cold Air From Coming Through Windows with Inserts
Give up the bubble wrap. To really keep cold air from coming through your windows and increase the perceived temperature, you need to increase insulation. You can add another layer of insulating material and air with window inserts.
Indow window inserts are made with acrylic, which insulates better than glass. They use compression tubing to create a seal around the window frame. This adds an air pocket between the insert and the window for more insulation. Because the insert is on the inside of the house, it raises the surface temperature.
Just one insert can have a huge impact on the mean radiant room temperature. Start with the coldest window
Let Us Help You
WE SHIP TO YOU!
You're one step closer to creating more comfort & quiet in your home.
%20--%3e%3csvg%20version='1.1'%20id='Layer_1'%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20xmlns:xlink='http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink'%20x='0px'%20y='0px'%20viewBox='0%200%20142.34%20163.37'%20style='enable-background:new%200%200%20142.34%20163.37;'%20xml:space='preserve'%3e%3cstyle%20type='text/css'%3e%20.st0{fill:%23FCBC18;}%20.st1{fill:%23FFFFFF;}%20.st2{fill:%23231F20;}%20.st3{fill:%237CC9D6;}%20.st4{fill:%23F0D0B4;}%20.st5{opacity:0.1;fill:%23010101;enable-background:new%20;}%20.st6{fill:%2397393D;}%20.st7{fill:%23603B17;}%20.st8{fill:%23010101;}%20.st9{fill:%23E05258;}%20%3c/style%3e%3cg%3e%3cpolygon%20class='st0'%20points='59.25,99.06%202.77,110.75%200.97,1%2058.77,11.47%20'/%3e%3cpolygon%20class='st1'%20points='51.37,55.9%2030.49,55.69%2030.01,13.33%2051.01,16.67%20'/%3e%3cpolygon%20class='st1'%20points='26.69,55.69%205.45,55.69%205.05,9.51%2026.54,12.85%20'/%3e%3cpolygon%20class='st1'%20points='51.35,59.44%2030.49,59.5%2030.93,96.41%2051.68,93.4%20'/%3e%3cpolygon%20class='st1'%20points='26.97,59.6%205.46,60.01%206.19,101.52%2027.31,97.96%20'/%3e%3c/g%3e%3cpath%20class='st2'%20d='M12.87,11.97L6.06,91.34l0.12,10.18l46.45-7.81l5.7-73.98L12.87,11.97z%20M50.1,91.34L7.49,97.99l8.08-82.69%20l40.24,6.34L50.1,91.34z'/%3e%3cpath%20class='st3'%20d='M126.62,95.62c0,0-19.34-0.39-39.69-12.95S53.99,49.59,53.99,49.59l3.85-4.75c0,0,11.11,19.57,31.87,32.4%20s38.02,12.04,38.02,12.04L126.62,95.62z'/%3e%3cg%3e%3cpath%20class='st4'%20d='M52.64,49.94c1.59,2.09,4.58,2.5,6.67,0.91s2.5-4.58,0.91-6.67s-4.57-2.5-6.67-0.91%20C51.46,44.86,51.05,47.85,52.64,49.94z'/%3e%3c/g%3e%3cpath%20class='st5'%20d='M140.35,157.14c0,2.58-18.25,4.67-40.75,4.67c-22.51,0-40.75-2.09-40.75-4.67s18.25-4.67,40.75-4.67%20C122.11,152.48,140.35,154.57,140.35,157.14z'/%3e%3cpath%20class='st2'%20d='M129.57,122.77H70.39l0.34,7.8c0,0,29.07,4.12,58.24,0.04C128.96,130.61,129.61,125.54,129.57,122.77z'/%3e%3cpolygon%20class='st4'%20points='131.22,81.65%2068.75,71.93%2068.75,30.1%20131.22,30.1%20'/%3e%3cpolygon%20class='st3'%20points='131.22,81.65%2068.61,71.54%2070.39,122.77%20129.57,122.77%20'/%3e%3cpath%20class='st6'%20d='M73.73,64.8c5.16,1.88,10.07,1.41,10.96-1.05L66,56.94C65.11,59.4,68.57,62.92,73.73,64.8z'/%3e%3cpath%20class='st2'%20d='M124.51,49.91c0,0-1.51,7.66-0.32,10.27c0,0,1.22,0.54,3.07-5.31c0,0,6.76-1.52,2.24,4.02%20c0,0,0.4,10.76,1.55,12.48c-1.59,1.52,22.81-35.33-3.17-47.52c-0.63-4.91-45.62-33.9-60.96,7.32%20C66.92,31.17,62.02,39.08,124.51,49.91z'/%3e%3cpolygon%20class='st2'%20points='70.55,126.35%2071.66,153.27%2075.9,153.27%2078.69,126.35%20'/%3e%3cpolygon%20class='st2'%20points='121.26,126.35%20122.37,153.27%20126.62,153.27%20129.41,126.35%20'/%3e%3cpath%20class='st7'%20d='M75.9,153.27c0,0-2.39-1.79-4.25,0s-1.63,1.79-2.91,2.11c-1.28,0.31-2.41,3.46,7.16,1.57%20C75.9,156.95,78.8,156.01,75.9,153.27z'/%3e%3cpath%20class='st7'%20d='M126.63,153.27c0,0-2.39-1.79-4.25,0s-1.63,1.79-2.91,2.11c-1.28,0.31-2.41,3.46,7.16,1.57%20C126.63,156.95,129.52,156.01,126.63,153.27z'/%3e%3ccircle%20class='st8'%20cx='69.17'%20cy='46.79'%20r='2.64'/%3e%3ccircle%20class='st8'%20cx='83.99'%20cy='51.82'%20r='2.64'/%3e%3cpolygon%20class='st9'%20points='72.83,77.47%2072.03,75.36%2069.8,75%2068.37,76.75%2069.17,78.85%2063.75,97.72%2066.63,101.72%2070.62,98.83%2071.41,79.21%20'/%3e%3cpath%20class='st3'%20d='M82.58,94.19c0,0-19.34-0.39-39.69-12.95S9.95,48.16,9.95,48.16l3.85-4.75c0,0,11.11,19.57,31.87,32.4%20s38.02,12.04,38.02,12.04L82.58,94.19z'/%3e%3cg%3e%3cpath%20class='st4'%20d='M8.6,48.51c1.59,2.09,4.58,2.5,6.67,0.91c2.09-1.59,2.5-4.58,0.91-6.67s-4.57-2.5-6.67-0.91%20C7.42,43.43,7.01,46.42,8.6,48.51z'/%3e%3c/g%3e%3c/svg%3e)
We value safety and privacy. We will never share, sell, or rent your data to third parties not directly related to your purchase or consideration of our products. Read our full policy here.
Customer Reviews
4.49 Average 1505 Reviews
Anonymous
WE just took delivery of the two window inserts we ordered. they both fit perfectly. The most difficult part of the process was me trying to hold the laser measuring device still while taking the diaginal measurment! The Indow team was helpful and the ordering process was catch free. the finished product is just as they described. once installed, you can not even tell that they are there. I will warn you, if you have larger sizes they will come in a pretty large packing crate/box to protect them so be prepared. The only reason for 4 stars insted of 5 is they have just been istalled and we shall see how effective they are at reducing cold air, but they fit so snug that I anticipate they will be very effective. Just in time too, because our area is in a low temp/low wind chill pattern at the moment.
Craig F
The Indow I ordered was a perfect fit. It looks great and is an extremely well made product. The ordering process was seamless.
Catherine J
Noise reduction by at least 50%! I cannot hear most car that drives by now. My bedroom is so quiet! Thank you!
Walter M
Easy to order and install.
Dianne F
Window inserts help with sound since I live facing the street and the highway
Dianne
This is a 5 star company from beginning to end. I purchased the I inserts in 2017 because the bedroom on the second story faced the street. These are very effective for street noise. Noticed a problem on one of the windows recently and they quickly took care of it due to their warranty. Customer service personnel are very helpful. The price of the windows was acceptable for top quality of sleep and less noise during the day
Charles C
Recently purchased the acoustic window inserts for a couple of old windows facing a busy street and they've made a huge difference in terms of noise reduction! The measuring process was relatively easy with the laser measuring tool that Indow sent and the windows were delivered faster than expected. Martin was easy to work with and we would highly recommend Indow to those looking for window inserts.
Dean C
Installed noise canceling acrylic Indow window inserts to deal with the road noise at my condo, 4 lane state road is 40 feet from the condo. Expensive custom fit, but oh my gosh, they cut the noise by 75%! Decibel meter app I trust shows a 6 Decibel noise reduction, average Db over 30 minutes. Turns out 6 Db is letting only 25% of noise through! I am one happy camper…
Harry T
The Indow team was great from start to finish! They were very clear about each step. After installing the inserts my home has been significantly while still preserving the fabulous city views. For anyone who lives in a noisy street or city like NYC I would highly recommend it. Leave the chaos outside and come home to piece and quiet.
Paula S
From start to finish, we were very pleased with our rep, Reed, and the other staff at the PDX will call! The inserts themselves are stupendous! We purchased six total for the noisiest, road side(s) of our home. The outcome was beyond our expectations! Not only did the three rooms that bordered the road become at least 70% quieter, the other end of our home did as well! I cannot recommend Indow inserts more! The technology makes sense to add the inserts rather than purchasing new windows. Great results and thank you! Paul and Paula Spilsbury
JD
Brian was very helpful & informative. He helped me order the correct windows for my needs. They were shipped with the utmost of care & arrived ahead of schedule. Ultimately, the Indow Windows have been very helpful in muffling unwanted noises & they have helped save on our energy costs. Thank you, Indow Window!
Cynthia M
Very happy with the reduction in noise. Easy to install and use. Great customer service.
Juli E
We are thrilled with our Indow window inserts! I'd been on the lookout for a more permanent solution to leaky windows in our third floor living space. I discovered Indow on social media but since then have learned of friends who'd had Indow recommended to them by their rennovation contractor. The entire process went smoothly with friendly reps at hand to talk through questions during measuring, etc. They fit perfectly and help us to maintain the beautiful design of the windows on our 100 year old home! Highly recommend!!
Jen F
Worth the money!
Elizabeth H
For townhouse living, this solved my problem with noise from my neighbor's with my kitchen window. A considerable decrease of noise indeed! Measurements were a bit frustrating so I recommend using a laser measurement device and following directions to use a string for the diagonal. They look great and were easy to push into place. I highly recommend as an alternative to buying a new window.