The $6 Bunnings hack that could keep your home warmer this winter: 'Works a treat'

As we all feel the winter chill, finding affordable ways to keep our homes warm is a top priority. Recently, a clever hack surfaced online: using bubble wrap to insulate windows. It may seem unconventional, but according to those who've tried the method, it works wonders!

A Melbourne woman, faced with single-glazed windows in her rental property that made rooms unbearably cold overnight, shared her experience dubbing it the "cheapest way to 'double glaze' your windows" on a Facebook group dedicated to simple saving tips. The post received plenty of responses from people who had either tried the hack themselves or who intended to try it ASAP.

"We rent and the windows are very thin, making our rooms so cold overnight, so I've decided to try this trick," she wrote.

How to bubble wrap your windows

She went on to explain she tackled the window insulation by applying bubble wrap using misted water, ensuring the bubble side faced the glass.

The cost-effective solution, with a roll of bubble wrap from Bunnings costing just $6, is also ideal for renters as the "insulation" is easily removable once it's no longer needed.

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To manage potential moisture buildup and prevent condensation, the woman also purchased DampRid, adding an extra layer of protection against indoor humidity.

The Victorian woman said she had seen impressive results so far. Despite an outside temperature of 1 degree overnight, with the heater off and the bubble wrap in place, the room temperature only dropped by 3 degrees compared to the previous night's 7-degree decrease without the wrap.

Additionally, where condensation would typically gather on window sills, the woman confirmed there was none after applying the bubble wrap.

"Based on those results alone, I'd say it's been a success," she concluded.

Social media buzz

The post sparked considerable interest on social media, with users sharing their own experiences and tips. One commenter affirmed, "Bubble wrap works pretty well; I have done it myself!"

Another concurred, "Works a treat." Someone even suggested using larger bubbles for better insulation.

Practical advice flowed in as well: "Pair it with a wool blanket and thick curtains for maximum effect," suggested one user. Another shared tips on longevity, saying: "My bubble wrap lasted four years before it started to warp; using Blu-Tak can help if it peels off too often."

Additionally, a user from Canberra shared their decade-long experience with bubble wrap affixed to the windows, attesting to its effectiveness in maintaining warmth over the years.

Questions and concerns about noise reduction and mildew build-up were also addressed. "It does reduce noise levels," the original poster confirmed. And for mildew, "you can easily peel it off to clean the windows."

Others also suggested alternatives to using bubble wrap, such as thermal film from Bunnings and thermal curtains from Spotlight, which are also recommended for enhancing insulation.

The conversation broadened to Australia's housing standards, with members lamenting the country's insulation deficiencies compared to stricter codes abroad.

"I recall an American friend horrified at our building standards," remarked one user, highlighting the disparity in insulation and glazing. Another added: "In some countries, they already have triple glazing; we do fail miserably."

What the experts say about bubble wrap insulation

As it turns out, bubble wrap, traditionally employed for insulating greenhouse windows, has indeed found practical use in enhancing window insulation ratings in residential settings.

According to the team from WF Plastic Wholesale cleaning and packing supplies, bubble wrap with medium to large bubbles is preferred for its superior insulating properties while still allowing ample natural light.

Drasko Georgijev from How To Go Solar told Yahoo Lifestyle: "Homes with single-glazed windows, particularly in colder climates, benefit significantly from this straightforward method to prevent heat loss." He explained: "Windows, while essential for warmth and light, often represent a substantial thermal inefficiency in homes."

Georgijev said that applying ordinary bubble-wrap packing material can reduce utility bills by nearly half by keeping heat inside.

The insulation effectiveness of bubble wrap stems from the small air pockets trapped within the bubbles, forming a network of insulating barriers when applied to the interior surface of windowpanes. In winter, additional layers of bubble wrap provide effective protection against cold infiltration and minimise heat loss from homes.

"Bubble wrap will instantly increase the insulation R-value (resistance to heat flow) of your windows by a factor of 1 (one). It is a solid radiant barrier for the cold air, especially on a single-glazed window," Georgijev explains.

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"The only downside effect is that the view through the insulated window is a little bit fuzzy; however, it does let in plenty of sunlight," concludes Georgijev.

So, if you're struggling to keep your home warm this winter and want to save on energy bills, this simple, affordable solution seems to be working for many.

Plus, you get the added bonus of having bubble wrap on hand for some stress-relieving popping sessions!

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