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  1. GBA Editor
    Martin Holladay | | #1

    Rachel,
    Perhaps -- but the performance difference is likely to be small. In general, bubble wrap is a waste of money. If you want insulation, it's better to buy real insulation.

    Of course, if you want to install some plastic in your window that is translucent, and still allows some light to enter (although you won't, of course, have a view any more), you can use bubble wrap. It will reduce the chance of condensation, because it has a minor thermal effect -- perhaps R-1 or so.

    For more information on bubble wrap, see Stay Away from Foil-Faced Bubble Wrap.

  2. heidner | | #2

    Rachel, while bubble wrap may work on the window... it makes it pretty tough to see out. Some of the new bubble wrap is also designed to disintegrate into little pieces when exposed to UV.

    There are storm window films on the market that let you add a quick simple frame and a plastic window that you can still see through -- without all of the bubble wrap distortion. But the better option is really simply add storm windows and make sure that they and the existing windows are truly air tight.

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