There are many approaches to insulating a window, some perform better than others. If you want to get the best results, then follow our list of how to insulate a window. We start with our best recommendation and work our way down:

1. Use a Fantastic Frame Window Insert. By adding our patent pending technology to your window, you can experience major improvements to your existing window without the need to replace it. You'll get the thermal benefits you're looking for while also enjoying the sound blocking benefits too!
2. Seal around the window with sealant. The biggest reason you're likely facing a draft is air gaps. In our business, sealing air gaps is rule number one. Any effective technique, whether soundproofing or insulating, is rendered useless with air gaps. Seal 'em up!
3. Use weatherstripping around the window. This is a nice alternative to sealant that's more budget friendly. Again, if you have air gaps, you have a draft. If you have a draft, say goodbye to your money, because it'll end up going toward energy bills. They get enough!

OPTION One: Use a Fantastic Frame Window Insert

The Fantastic Frame Window Insert is the best way to insulate a window. With our patent pending technology in the frame, you're getting the best of thermal and sound blocking!

The Fantastic Frame Window Insert combines technology in the frame with an additional window pane and an airtight sealed perimeter to stop both heat and noise from passing through the window. By blocking the sound and preventing thermal transfer, your home will be more comfortable and more quiet.

There are several ways that the Fantastic Frame window inserts outperform the competition:

1. Lighter – our inserts punch substantially above their weight in performance. The result is the best performing window insert, while also being light enough to easily remove if needed.
2. More Insulation – our inserts are 50-100% better than other lightweight alternatives.
3. More Soundproofing – our inserts are 30-50% better at blocking noise, and potentially 2-3x better for low frequency noise.

Not everyone is familiar with R-value, so let’s take a second to review what we mean.The R-Value of an insulation product measures the ability to resist heat transfer. The higher the R-Value, the more effective the insulation is at preventing heat transfer and make it easier to regulate temperature in a space. That’s why when shopping for insulation, it’s often described in terms of “R”, so it’s an R-13 or R-19 insulation.

Here’s a concrete example of one of the tests we’ve done in the lab. When you use a Fantastic Frame window insert with a single-pane, wood window, you can expect a 112% increase in the R-Value. With a double-pane, wood window, you’ll get a 55% increase in the R-value.

For the best thermal insulation results, you should use these window inserts on every window in a home. This will put that thermal seal on all the openings in your home, office, or hotel and help regulate a comfortable temperature. Again, with the Fantastic Frame Window Inserts, you can expect a 40%+ decrease in your energy usage! The product pays for itself!

Using a window insert is the most effective way to insulate a window. But there are other solutions that will help reduce heat transfer. These are the top 3 alternatives for insulating your windows.

OPTION Two: Seal Windows using Sealant around the perimeter

If your window is not well-sealed, using a sealant to insulate a window is an effective way to improve energy efficiency, increase comfort, and reduce noise in your home. Start by peeling away the old caulk that is no longer properly sealing with a scraper. Next apply the sealant caulk to the perimeter of the window (inside or outside) and smooth it out to ensure it closes up the gaps. Caulk is not nearly as effective at insulating a window as window inserts, but it is an affordable and easy way to reduce the amount of airflow through any gaps or cracks around the perimeter of the window.

OPTION Three: Seal around windows with Draft Guards/Weatherstripping

Weatherstripping works similarly to caulk, but instead of sealant, you install strips to the perimeter of the window to prevent drafts from passing through the gaps in the window assembly. When properly installed, weatherstripping will provide a tight seal around the window, preventing drafts and air leaks and improving energy efficiency. You can’t expect the same results with draft guards and weatherstripping as you would get with a window insert, but it is another quick and affordable way to insulate your window by plugging any big holes letting heat in or out.

Alternative OPTION: Improve Window Insulation by replacing Old Windows

Replacing your windows is the most expensive option, but if you want a permanent and effective window insulation solution, it’s worth exploring. There are windows on the market that are designed specifically for thermal insulation. Here are some examples of the different types of thermal insulated windows:

• Double and triple-paned windows: These are common in new homes and buildings. Double and triple-paned windows have more than one layer of glass, which makes them much more effective at blocking the transfer of cool or warm air.
• Low emissivity windows (low-E): Low-E windows have a special coating that reflects heat into your home, reducing heat loss through the window.
  
• Argon fill windows: Argon gas improves thermal insulation, and is typically used in confuction with a low-E coating.
  

No matter what windows you replace your existing windows, they will be 50-100% better if you add Fantastic Frame Window Inserts to the new window! And in some cases the window insert will outperform the high end window. For example, a regular double pane window with a Fantastic Frame will outperform a double pane window with low-E glass and argon fill.

Have more questions about insulating your windows or weatherproofing your home? Feel free to reach out to us and an expert at Second Skin will be happy to help!

Call us at 1.800.679.8511