I’m an ex-builder – a £3 plastic sheet can slash your energy bills every winter and prevent mould
HOUSEHOLDS searching for easy ways to manage eye-watering energy bills can make simple savings with an affordable insulation tip.
If you don’t have double glazing, you can create your own budget version by placing a layer of plastic on your windows.
This is according to former builder, Clive Holland, now a broadcaster on Fix Radio, a station for tradespeople.
Clive told The Sun: “You can buy specific cling-film packs to go on various-sized windows.
“Putting film on your window as secondary glazing does actually work.
“It helps keep heat in, plus it prevents condensation build up, while also blocking any draughts.”
On Amazon, you can find a wide range of home window insulation kits, with prices from as little as £3.
At Wickes, prices start from £6.50.
The amount you pay will depend on how much you need.
Around 18% of the total heat within a house is lost through the windows, according to window firm Safestyle.
Insulation film can help, but you must apply it carefully,
“Begin by cleaning the surface, so you have no mould,” said Clive.
“Then cut the plastic sheet to the right size and smooth it along the frame.
“At first, it will look saggy and horrible. But don’t worry about this, just make sure you have a really good seal.
“Once you take the hairdryer to it, it will shrink back into position.
“It’s such a simple technique, but it’s really effective.
“It will wrap the window so tightly, it will prevent any warmth from leaving through cracks.
“It will also stop any moisture from building up.”
Occasionally, you may see the sheet wrinkle up a bit over a few weeks.
“All you need to do is get a hairdryer on it again, and you can sort it out,” said the energy-saving whizz.
Essentially, you can use any material for the second layer of glazing.
The key is to ensure it is transparent and airtight.
Why you should avoid clingfilm
While it is possible to use cling film to insulate your windows, costing from just 79p for a 60m roll at Asda, Clive’s view is that this doesn’t work quite as well.
“I do know people who use normal cling film, but I just don’t think it’s as good,” he said.
“It’s very thin, and once you put the hairdryer on it, it can just perish and not take the heat.
“For me, the home window insulation kits are much better.
“They are also readily-available online or from your local DIY store.”
The Energy Saving Trust also recommends the more robust insulation kits, saying that while a thin film stuck to your frame may provide some limited improvement at low cost, it’s unlikely to last long.
The energy-saving body suggests spending a little more on DIY kits which use polycarbonate or acrylic sheets, with magnetic or clip-fit mounting systems, saying these can make a “substantial difference” to energy efficiency around the home.
Manufacturers claim you can save around £10 a month during the coldest months of the year by putting dedicated plastic film on your windows.
One Sun reader claimed she could save a whopping £500 a year with this same hack.
Energy bills are set to rise even more from April, when the new price cap kicks in.
At present under the price guarantee, which limits the unit you pay for gas and electricity, the average bill for a typical household is around £2,500 a year.
But this will go up to £3,000 in just over a month, meaning budgets will get squeezed even further.
While plastic secondary glazing kits will not be as effective as replacing your windows with double, or even triple, glazing, one of these packs will help boost your home’s insulation at a fraction of the cost.
For double glazing, you should expect to pay from around £600 per window, according to Everest.
Clive added: “If you are looking to cut costs, a home window insulation kit is a great way to do things on a tight budget.
“It’s a simple way to save energy and keep the warmth within your home.
“That said, in the long run, if and when you can afford to do so, upgrading to double glazing is the best option.”
Other ways to cut energy bills
While your attention is on your windows, don’t forget that heavy, lined curtains, hollow blinds or sealed shutters will also help to cut draughts and keep your heat in for longer.
With families still being hit hard by the cost-of-living-crisis, Clive is keen to share a host of ways to keep a lid on costs.
“Another simple tip involves putting reflective foil behind your radiators,” he said.
“And if you can keep the doors closed to your living room, kitchen and so on, each of which has a separate radiator, that will help conserve the warmth in those rooms.”
Clive also recommends bleeding your radiators regularly.
“Removing air from the system is essential to optimise the performance of your heating system,” he said.
“And look to invest in draught excluders around your front and back doors.
“These are a cheap and effective way to improve insulation at home.”