YOU CAN USE BUBBLE WRAP FOR THAT?

The Hill Spirit saw an interesting idea on facebook today.  I'm going to try it before the next cold snap later this month.

Link to Instructions: How To  

Bubble Wrap Window Insulation from Build It Solar
I've used bubble wrap on windows for three+ years now, and I'm amazed how quick and easy it is.  This year, we are even covering the windows in the guest room -- we just take the bubble wrap down when guests come, and put it back up when they leave -- 15 seconds a window.

This is a simple technique for insulating windows with bubble wrap packing material.  Bubble wrap is often used to insulate greenhouse windows in the winter, but it also seems to work fine for windows in the house.   You can use it with or without regular or insulating window shades.  It also works for windows of irregular shape, which can be difficult to find insulating shades for.

Its been five years since I put this page up, and I've heard from MANY people who are quite happy with using bubble wrap for window insulation.

The view through the bubble wrapped window is fuzzy, so don't use it on windows where you need a clear view.  But, it does let plenty of light through.

     I know you came here to look at bubble wrap for your windows, but our site also has literally hundreds of good practical projects and ideas on energy efficiency, solar heating and electricity, and the Half Plan to help you cut your total energy use in half.
Have a look around.

I like the medium to large size bubbles.  The larger ones appear (from surface temperature
 measurements) to insulate a little better, and you still get a nice artistic effect looking out of them.  The small bubble warp totally obscures the view, but you still get light.  Most people seem to prefer the large bubble version.

Bubble Wrap Life:

Doug reports that bubble wrap that he installed 6 years ago has about had it.  He thinks the life is around 5 to 7 years.  In his application, the bubble wrap stays up year round.

He reports that at the end of its life, it tends to stick to the glass, so replacing it before this happens might save some cleanup work. The bubble wrap he is using was intended for packaging, so this still leaves open the question of whether the bubble wrap intended for greenhouses will last longer.  The greenhouse bubble wrap we installed is on its third winter, and is still doing fine.