14 DIY Window Fixes That Actually Make Your Home Less Energy Efficient

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Many homeowners attempt to save on heating and cooling costs by doing DIY fixes to their windows, hoping that the fixes will make their homes more energy efficient. Well-intentioned solutions can actually make things worse unintentionally.

Small mistakes do add up, whether you’re applying certain types of films or, sealing gaps with the wrong materials. In this article, we’ll explore some DIY window fixes that might look good at first but could actually cost you more energy down the road.

Blocking Heat Flow With Thick Curtains

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Insulating window suggestions usually involve heavy curtains, which can actually trap heat near the glass and prevent that heat from circulating in winter. The room gets cooler and you tend to turn up the thermostat. The trick is to get them to pull back during the day so it lets sunlight in and warms the room. Otherwise, you may unknowingly raise your heating bill.

Low Quality Window Film Addition

Cheap DIY window films, which block heat in the summer and trap it in the winter, may not be the solution. In cold months, the material may peel, bubble or block beneficial solar heat. Degradation of low quality films is often quick and makes windows difficult to clean and visibility low. Faster and more reliable, professional grade films are more pricy, but durable.

Using Caulk That Cracks in Cold Weather

Drafts are usually remedied by caulking around windows, but not all caulks are appropriate for extreme temperatures. In cold weather some will crack and shrink open and admit cold air; silicone or acrylic latex caulk is often better for outdoor use, but check the label to be sure it can take temperature changes. Otherwise you could end up with more air leaks than you started with.

Using Plastic Film Kits Incorrectly

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Reducing drafts is easy with plastic film kits, but too loose kits actually trap cold air between the plastic and the window. It cools your room by creating a cooling effect which makes it feel even colder. They work only if properly installed with a tight seal. If you miss this step, you’ll be cranking up the heat next.

Choosing Reflective Film in Cold Climates

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While reflective films can be great in hot climates, they’re bad in cold climates, and they’re designed to keep homes cool by reflecting sunlight. They absorb the sun’s natural warmth, shuffling the heating bills skyward in the winter. Clear insulating film is better if you live in a colder region so you can retain warmth. That’s because you’ll miss out on free heat.

Properly Weatherstripping Failing

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Weatherstripping around windows can stop drafts effectively, but when installed incorrectly it can actually allow more cold air to seep in; gaps, overlaps or strips misaligned all allow the drafts to sneak in and defeat the purpose. Make sure to measure and apply weatherstripping to make an airtight seal carefully. Otherwise, you might be heating the outdoors.

Insulating with Bubble Wrap

It can provide a layer of insulation, but light that would otherwise naturally heat your home can be blocked by bubble wrap. This could mean lost solar heat in the winter months and you’ll use more artificial heating. It also causes condensation between the wrap and the glass resulting in mold or mildew. Have a clear insulating film that still allows light to pass through.

Using Cheap Draft Stoppers

Some cheaper versions of draft stoppers don’t seal completely and will stop airflow. Gaps may still allow air to seep through, resulting in varying room temperatures, and requiring your heating or cooling system to work overtime. Quality draft stoppers that are custom fit to your windows dimensions provide a better and more efficient seal.

Tinting Windows Too Dark

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Reducing glare and heat is possible with tinted windows, but too dark can darken windows too much and limit natural warmth in the winter. This can lead to an over dependence on artificial heating, which adds to your energy bills. If you want to save energy around the year, consider a lighter tint. A medium shade can allow enough winter warmth while cutting summer heat.

Putting Insulation Only Around Some Windows

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Dressing just some windows and leaving others uninsulated will create temperature imbalances. It will keep rooms without uninsulated windows cooler, meaning other rooms might even feel too hot. To stop these uncomfortable temperature changes, spread insulation evenly throughout your home’s windows. Otherwise, you might just move the problem around.

Misaligned Storm Windows

Storm windows can prevent cold drafts, but they don’t seal that well, meaning air still manages to creep in. It robs the insulating benefits and can even make drafts worse. Make sure your storm windows have been properly fastened and are aligned so that they make a tight seal. Without proper installation, you’re likely to admit more cold air inside.

Sealing Between Window Panes Improperly

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Sealing double or triple paned windows help reduce drafts, but if done wrong, it can trap moisture between panes. This can result in fog and reduces the effectiveness of insulation. Mold can be created if no sealing is done, so professionals may be required to seal professionally, to ensure optimal insulation. When not done precisely, DIY attempts can do more harm than good.

Insulation Blocking Exterior Vents

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Seemingly, the smartest thing to do around window vents is to add insulation to them, but it will prevent air from circulating, thus trapping in excess humidity. It results by making an environment damp, and can impact air quality and encourage mold growth. Don’t block anything necessary for air flow; these vents are for keeping a healthy, balanced indoor climate.

Ventilation Needs in Humid Rooms Not Considered

In rooms such as bathrooms or kitchens, too tightly insulated windows without ventilation create a perfect trap for moisture and mold. According to National Institute of Health, proper ventilation is important not to have excessive humidity that would affect energy use. For these high humidity areas, leave windows slightly ventilated or consider an exhaust fan. Too much insulation , can lead to bigger, costlier problems.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.