Does plastic on windows help in the summer? When New England is in the midst of a heat wave, most homeowners will try anything to stay cool. Keeping your curtains closed and circulating air with fans are easy ways to stay cool in the summer.
But what about plastic on your windows? Does this help with staying cool and lowering your energy bills?
Does Plastic on Windows Help in the Summer?
If you’re asking ‘does plastic on windows help in the summer?’ we have the short answer for you–no, it does not help you stay cool or save on energy bills. But why?
Generally, adding plastic to windows is a practice associated with winter insulation. It helps to create an extra barrier against cold air, reducing heat loss and improving energy efficiency.
In the summer, the opposite is true. Adding plastic to your windows would likely:
Makes Your Home Feel Hotter
Plastic film acts like a greenhouse on your windows. Here’s a breakdown of how it traps heat:
- Solar heat absorption: The plastic film absorbs a significant amount of the sun’s heat energy that would normally be reflected away by the glass.
- Heat trapping: The absorbed heat is then trapped inside the plastic layer, creating a warm microclimate between the plastic and the window glass.
- Infrared radiation: The plastic film is often not designed to reflect infrared radiation (heat), which further contributes to the warming effect.
Prevents the Cooling Effect of Airflow
Does plastic on windows help in summer? No, because it can impede airflow, preventing your home from cooling down effectively because:
- When you open a window, the plastic film creates a partial blockage, limiting the amount of fresh air that can enter your home.
- Cross-ventilation, which involves opening windows on opposite sides of a room, is a common cooling strategy. Plastic film on these windows can drastically reduce the effectiveness of this method.
- Even when windows are slightly open, a natural draft can help to circulate air and cool down a space. Plastic film can disrupt this natural process.
Can You Stay Cool by Circulating Warm Air?
While it might seem counterintuitive, circulating warm air can actually help you feel cooler. This is because:
- Heat distribution: Moving air helps to distribute heat more evenly throughout a space. This can reduce temperature differences between different areas of your home, making it feel more comfortable.
- Evaporation cooling: When air moves over your skin, it helps to evaporate sweat, which cools your body. Increased air circulation can enhance this cooling effect!
Plastic Covering Can Lead to Foggy Windows
Do you have foggy house windows in the summer? Part of the culprit might come from plastic on windows. Condensation can form on plastic-covered windows for several reasons:
- Moisture Barrier: Plastic acts as a barrier, trapping warm, moist air from your home between the plastic and the glass.
- Temperature Difference: The temperature difference between the warm indoor air and the colder outdoor temperature causes the moisture in the air to condense on the coldest surface, which is the window glass.
- Reduced Ventilation: The plastic film can impede airflow, preventing the moisture-laden air from escaping and being replaced with drier air.
Foggy house windows in the summer can lead to several problems:
- Mold and Mildew Growth: Constant moisture provides an ideal environment for mold and mildew to thrive.
- Damage to Window Frames: Prolonged exposure to moisture can damage the wood or paint on your window frames.
- Health Issues: Mold and mildew can cause respiratory problems and allergies.
Plastic on Windows Heats up Your Home: What to Do Instead
You know that plastic on windows does not help in the summer. But what are you supposed to do to keep your home cool and your energy costs under control?
Try the following tips to beat the heat:
How to Keep Heat Out of Windows
Are you wondering how to keep heat out of windows? You’re im luck. Energy efficient windows are designed to reflect heat in the summer while keeping your home cool.
Here’s how it works.
Low-E Cools Your Home with Ease
Short for “low-emissivity,” these coatings are applied to the glass during manufacturing. They allow visible light to pass through while reflecting infrared heat back outside. This helps to keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
Insulated Glass Reduces Heat Transfer
This type of glass consists of two or more panes of glass separated by a gas-filled space. The gas, usually argon or krypton, acts as an insulator to reduce heat transfer.
Vinyl Window Frames Prevent Energy Loss
Window frame materials vinyl offer better insulation compared to traditional wood or aluminum frames. They can help reduce heat transfer through the window frame, keeping your home cool and your energy bills in check.
Custom Window Placement
Proper window placement can minimize solar heat gain. You’ll want to avoid large south-facing windows, which can directly impact the comfort levels in your home during the summer. By working with a window contractor, you can optimize your home’s energy efficiency with custom window replacement!
Free Estimate: Keep Your Home Cool this Summer with Coastal Windows & Exteriors
Offering energy-efficient replacement windows for all seasons, you won’t have to resort to covering your windows with plastic to stay cool. Our windows are engineered with the top technologies for a comfortable and energy-efficient home! Contact us now to schedule a free estimate and learn about our current promotions.
