For a quick, temporary way to cover a window you do not need to see through, tape reused bubble wrap over the glass. The air in the bubbles is the stated reason it may help insulate the pane, but there is no established savings figure or measured performance result for ordinary bubble wrap on residential windows. It will also block the view, and it will not fix drafts coming through gaps in the frame.
How to put bubble wrap on a window
- Choose the right window. Use this method only where losing a clear view is acceptable; the St Albans City and District Council household guide suggests it for windows you do not need to see through.
- Reuse bubble wrap if you have it. The council guide recommends old bubble wrap, rather than specifying a particular type, size, or thickness.
- Secure it over the glass with tape. The guide does not specify which side should face the glass, whether to wet the wrap, or what kind of tape to use. Follow the tape manufacturer’s directions and avoid assuming those details affect insulation performance.
The bubbles contain air, which is the guide’s qualitative explanation for the insulation effect. The available guidance does not provide a measured heat-loss reduction, a bubble-wrap R-value, or evidence that it performs like double glazing. Treat it as a low-cost temporary covering, not a quantified window upgrade.
When bubble wrap is—and is not—a suitable fix
Bubble wrap covers the pane. If cold air is coming through joints around a sash or frame, a covering over the glass does not repair that air leak. Australian government guidance notes that single-glazed windows provide minimal insulation and that gaps or poor sealing around frames can contribute to drafts. For a noticeable draft at the frame, investigate appropriate air sealing or weatherstripping.
Bubble wrap also obscures the view. If you want a temporary covering that preserves visibility, shrink-fit window film is a more fully specified alternative, though it has its own limitations.
#1 Best Overall
- Save on energy costs during cold weather months. Duck Max Strength shrink window film is puncture-resistant and two times thicker than standard window kits to create an airtight seal inside your home to block drafts and cold weather
- Easy-to-install roll of shrink film means no measuring needed - once applied, cut film to size
- Tools needed: scissors and hair dryer. For best results apply window films indoors on clean and dry surfaces, including painted or finished wood, aluminum or vinyl
- After installation, crystal clear and transparent window film is easy to see through. Once season is over, the window kit removes easily
- Window Kit includes 1, 62" x 210" roll of shrink film and 1, 0.5" x 84' foot roll of tape; Can insulate up to 5 standard sized 3' x 5' windows
Bubble wrap versus shrink-fit window film
| Option | Visibility | What it addresses | Installation and cautions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bubble wrap | Obscures the window; the council recommends it only where you do not need to see through. | A temporary covering over the glass; no quantified performance result is available for ordinary bubble wrap. | The council guide says to secure reused wrap with tape but does not specify detailed installation requirements. |
| Shrink-fit plastic window film | Can make the view less crystal clear, according to EECA. | ENERGY STAR says film covers can reduce drafts, help a home feel warmer in winter, and add an insulating air layer. Those claims concern film, not bubble wrap. | Follow the kit directions. EECA says the surface should be clean, dry, leak-free, and in good paint condition, with at least 5 mm between the inside frame surface and glass. It warns film will not stick to aluminium windows, damage from people or pets stops it working, and tape may stain if left longer than one season. |
Installing shrink-fit film
ENERGY STAR’s U.S. guidance describes a kit-based process: consult the kit instructions, measure and cut the film with a few extra inches, clean the frame, apply adhesive and film, then tighten the film with a hair dryer. Its listed materials and tools include a film kit, tape, scissors, a utility knife, hair dryer, tape measure, cotton balls, rubbing alcohol, and a ladder. Use the kit’s directions for the specific window and product.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Longer-term options for cold windows
If a temporary covering is not enough, EECA lists secondary glazing, retrofitting insulated glass units, and full window replacement as longer-term possibilities. Which one makes sense depends on the window’s condition and your budget. EECA notes that window heat loss can be a significant issue: its estimate of up to 40% of a home’s heating energy assumes a home built before 2008 with floor, wall, and ceiling insulation; it says double glazing can reduce that share to 25% or less. These are general figures about homes and glazing, not results for bubble wrap.
Rank #2
- Save on energy costs during cold weather months. Duck Max Strength shrink window film is puncture-resistant and two times thicker than standard window kits to create an airtight seal inside your home to block drafts and cold weather
- Easy-to-install roll of shrink film means no measuring needed - once applied, cut film to size
- Tools needed: scissors and hair dryer. For best results apply window films indoors on clean and dry surfaces, including painted or finished wood, aluminum or vinyl
- After installation, crystal clear and transparent window film is easy to see through. Once season is over, the window kit removes easily
- Window Kit includes 2, 62" x 210" roll of shrink film and 2, 0.5" x 54' foot rolls of tape; Can insulate up to 10 standard sized 3' x 5' windows
EECA home energy efficiency expert Gareth Gretton recommends prioritising the rooms used most or those that are hardest to keep warm: “You don’t need to double glaze all of your windows at once. Start with the rooms you use the most, or the ones that are tricky to keep warm – this gives you the biggest improvement with the money you’re spending, in terms of cost savings and comfort.”
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Window insulation kit Contains 62"x 420" Of Window Clear Shrink Film And 1/2 Inch By 168 Feet Roll of Double Sided Tape
- Clear Insulation Shrink Film To Keep Out The Wind And Cold, Dust Prevention
- By Insulating Your Window Save Energy Costs And Reduce Heat Loss
- Crystal Clear Shrink Film Without Blocking Sunlight
- Easy And Quick Installation
Rank #4
- Save on energy costs during cold weather months. This rolled window kit creates an airtight seal inside your home to block drafts and cold weather
- Easy-to-install roll of shrink film means no measuring needed - once applied, cut film to size
- Tools needed: scissors and hair dryer. For best results apply window films indoors on clean and dry surfaces, including painted or finished wood, aluminum or vinyl
- After installation, crystal clear and transparent window film is easy to see through. Once season is over, the window kit removes easily
- Window Kit includes 3, 62" x 210" rolls of shrink film and 3, 0.5" x 54' foot rolls of tape; Can insulate up to 15 standard sized 3' x 5' windows
Rank #3
- Designed for interior use on windows
- Accommodates up to 4 standard sized windows
- Shrinks with hair dryer and applies with included double-faced tape
- Each sheet measures 62 in. L x 42 in. W
- Helps R-value increase up to 90%
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Recommended Free Tools
