Households across the UK are being encouraged to take an unusual step this November: stock up on bubble wrap. The common packaging material is being hailed as a surprisingly effective and budget-friendly way to insulate homes and keep energy bills low as winter temperatures plummet.
A Cost-Effective Solution for a Freezing Home
The advice comes after a British woman in her sixties shared her successful experience with the method last year. Faced with a freezing house and soaring heating costs, she began searching for ways to save money. Her annual heating bill had reached a staggering £1,900, partly due to a conservatory that was expensive to heat. Unable to afford triple glazing and with 15-year-old double glazing, she turned to a homemade solution.
"My house was freezing," she explained. "I can't afford to get triple glazing, and my double glazing is 15-years old. It was costing me £1,900 to heat my home."
Her innovative approach involves using bubble wrap on her windows. "I pin it to the top of my curtains with pegs – sometimes I put two sheets up in some rooms, one behind and one in front of each curtain," she described. She had previously tried another type of clear insulation, but found that bubble wrap was more reliable. "I also tape bubble wrap to the windows in the kitchen and bathroom," she added.
Expert Backing for a Simple Hack
This DIY insulation technique is gaining support from energy experts. Mark McShane of Boiler Cover UK endorsed the practice, stating: "Leaving your oven door open after cooking allows the residual heat to warm your kitchen, and using bubble wrap on windows can serve as an insulator, reducing heat loss."
The method is also promoted by packaging specialists. WF Plastic notes on its website that bubble wrap, often used in greenhouses, can boost the insulation rating of domestic windows. They describe it as a "simple technique for insulating windows with bubble wrap packing material."
The website highlights several advantages, including its suitability for windows of irregular shape, which can be difficult to fit with standard insulating shades. While the view through the wrapped window becomes fuzzy, it still allows plenty of light to enter a room.
Choosing the Right Bubble Wrap for the Job
For those considering the method, the size of the bubbles can make a difference. According to WF Plastic, people seem to prefer the medium to large size bubbles. Reports suggest that the larger bubbles may insulate slightly better, and they provide a unique, artistic effect when looking outside. Smaller bubble wrap, while still effective at insulation, tends to obscure the view completely.
As energy prices remain a concern for many, this simple, low-cost insulation hack offers a practical way for UK households to retain warmth and manage their bills during the coldest months of the year.
