Sometimes, the best solutions to your heat and air conditioning bills can also be the simplest and least expensive. Take your windows, for example. Insulation is one of the most important factors when it comes to conserving HVAC energy, and your windows are no exception. You can spend a lot of money to beef up your window quality and stop air from leaking out, but there is a DIY technique that can be nearly as effective at a mere fraction of the price: bubble wrap and water. Read on to learn more about how to save money this winter with common packing material.

Invest Intelligently in Your Windows

Windows are actually a controversial part of the heat and air conditioning calculus, believe it or not. There’s no question that you can save energy by buying modern windows with features like triple panes and clear gas insulation between the panes-- up to seven to 15 percent on your bills, according to Energy Star. At issue, however, is that purchasing new windows can be prohibitively expensive, and some experts suggest that your efficiency dollars would be better spent in other areas.

The good news is that there are ways to shore up your windows without ripping them out and replacing them. Some people with drafty windows purchase a kit of plastic wrapping that they tape up around the window frame and then shrink against the window using a hairdryer. It turns out, you can get the same effect for even less work and less money using bubble wrap, provided you are able to stop yourself from popping all the bubbles first.

The Simple Intervention in Your Heat and Air Conditioning System

Applying bubble wrap to your windows is about a simple process as you can possibly imagine. All you have to do is follow this two-step recipe:

  • Use a spray bottle to mist water on the window.
  • Press the bubble wrap against the moist window.

That’s it! No tape, no hairdryers, no multi-thousand dollar renovation jobs. And it’s effective – according to Build it Solar, you can reduce heat loss through your windows by half using this method. The only downside is that some people might not like the appearance of having packing material on their windows all season long, and it obviously will obscure the view through the glass.

Experienced Help Reducing Your Energy Bills

For more ideas on how to reduce your heat and air conditioning bills, get in touch with an HVAC expert without delay.