A home heating expert has shared a brilliant £1 winter hack to keep your house warm – and all you need is bubble wrap and a bit of water.
As the temperature drops and energy bills soar, homeowners are on the hunt for cost-effective ways to stay cosy.
One ingenious trick involves using bubble wrap and water on windows to retain heat. Jennifer Shaw from Plumbworld suggests this easy yet efficient method: “The hack is simple and uses materials you probably already have or can get for a small price.
“Bubble wrap is a surprisingly good insulator, helping to cut down on heat loss by trapping a layer of air in its bubbles. The best part? All you need is bubble wrap and a little water.”
Here, she outlines her step-by-step guide to transforming bubble wrap into a quick, low-cost winter insulation solution.
How to use bubble wrap to insulate your windows
Cut to size: Start by cutting the bubble wrap to fit each window. For the best fit, measure the window panes and trim the bubble wrap to match the dimensions closely.
Apply water to the window: A light misting of water is the secret to making bubble wrap stick to windows without tape. Using a spray bottle, lightly spritz water directly onto the windowpane.
Attach the bubble wrap: Press the bubble side of the bubble wrap against the damp windowpane. The water will serve as a natural adhesive, keeping the bubble wrap firmly in place.
Smooth it out: Use your hands to smooth out any air bubbles and ensure the wrap is flush against the glass. This step helps create a tight seal which is essential for keeping the cold air out and the warm air in.
Reapply as needed: It’s worth checking periodically to ensure the bubble wrap remains in place, especially if it loosens over time. If necessary, simply reapply a bit of water and press the wrap back onto the glass.
Join the Daily Record’s WhatsApp community hereand get the latest news sent straight to your messages.
Why bubble wrap works
Jennifer explained that bubble wrap works well as a temporary window insulator due to its ability to trap air. “The bubbles act as a barrier that helps reduce the transfer of cold from outside, keeping warmth inside your home,” she said.
While it may not match the insulation of double glazing, she calls it “a practical alternative for those looking for a low-cost solution that still makes a difference”.
Highlighting its cost-effectiveness, she notes that you can pick up a roll of bubble wrap at Wilko for just £1. Jennifer also points out how easy it is to use and remove. She said: “One of the great things about this hack is that it’s fully reversible and doesn’t leave any residue.”
When the weather warms up, simply peel off the bubble wrap, wipe down the windows, and store it for next winter. She added: “The hack is straightforward and uses materials you likely already have or can find for a small cost.
“Sometimes the simplest methods are the most effective. Keeping the warmth in doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. “
Don’t miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond – Sign up to our daily newsletter here.