Removable Decorated Window Insulation

Overall, while cardboard window insulation may not provide the same level of insulation as professional-grade materials, it can still make a noticeable difference in reducing heat loss and improving energy efficiency in your home. Removable cardboard window insulation constructed with twine and milk carton lids can be an effective and affordable way to insulate your windows, reducing heat loss and saving energy during colder months. By following these steps and considering additional insulation options, you can create a DIY solution that helps keep your home comfortable and energy-efficient in a cost-effective way.

1. Cardboard box large enough to cover the window (or multiple cardboard boxes and join them together)
2. Scissors or utility knife
3. Measuring tape
4. Duct tape or packing tape
5. Optional: Bubble wrap or reflective insulation (e.g. thin foil/aluminum foil) for added insulation
6. Drill
7. Drill Bit
8. Plastic Milk bottle carton lids x 2 (or soft drink bottle lids)
9. Twine or strong string
10. Sticky tape

Introduction

How to insulate your window with a cardboard box effectively.

Windows can be a significant source of heat loss in homes, especially during colder months (or heat gain in hot climates). Insulating your windows with a cardboard box is a cost-effective and eco-friendly solution to help retain heat and reduce energy bills. In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to insulate your window with a cardboard box and discuss its effectiveness.

Effectiveness of Cardboard Window Insulation:

While cardboard may not be the most conventional material for window insulation, it can still provide significant benefits in terms of heat retention and energy savings. The effectiveness of cardboard insulation depends on several factors:

1. Thickness of the Cardboard: Thicker cardboard will provide better insulation than thinner cardboard. If possible, use double-layered cardboard or reinforce single-layer cardboard with additional layers or insulation materials to help reduce heat loss through the window.
2. Additional Insulation: Adding bubble wrap or reflective insulation to the cardboard can enhance its insulating properties by creating an additional barrier to trap heat and improve energy efficiency further.
3. Accurate measurement and cutting of cardboard: Properly measuring the window, the cutting the cardboard to the window frame size helps create a tight seal, minimizing drafts and heat loss.
4. Duration of Use: Cardboard window insulation is most effective when used consistently throughout the colder months. Consider installing the insulation in the evening during winter and removing it once the morning has begun – like curtain use.

Measure the Window: Use a measuring tape to measure the dimensions of your window. Make sure to measure both the height and width accurately. This will help determine the size of the cardboard pieces needed to cover the window.

Cut the Cardboard: Use scissors or a utility knife to cut the cardboard boxes to fit the dimensions of your window. Cut multiple pieces if necessary to cover the entire window. You may need to cut multiple pieces of cardboard to cover the entire window if it's larger than the box.

Join the Cardboard: Cut multiple pieces of cardboard to cover the entire window and join with sticky tape.

Prepare the Cardboard: Remove any excess tape or labels from the cardboard box.

Reinforce the Cardboard: Add a second layer of cardboard (if desired) – to provide additional strength to the cardboard (if cardboard is placed at right angles 90 degrees to the original cardboard – this will provide additional strength). This second layer will also add extra insulation to the window.

Optional: Add Additional Insulation: For added insulation, you can attach bubble wrap or reflective insulation to the cardboard using double-sided tape. This will create an extra barrier to trap heat and reduce heat loss through the window.

Drill the Plastic Milk bottle carton lids: Take milk carton lids and drill or punch holes in each lid. These holes will be used to thread the twine through.

Measure the Twine: Measure the length of twine or strong string, long enough create two knots and room for a handle (30-50cm of twine should be sufficient)

Attach the Milk Carton Lids and Secure the Twine: Wrap the twine through the first milk carton lid leaving the top of the Milk Carton Lid flush with the cardboard, then pass it through the cardboard, then pass twine through the second milk carton lid (one lid on each side of the cardboard). Tie knots to secure the twine in place, with extra twine on one side to act as a handle – making the cardboard removeable. The milk carton lids are used to reinforce/bolster the cardboard – to prevent the cardboard from tearing when being lifted in and out of position in the window. If a large piece of cardboard, then position the two sets of lids near the edges and have a handle on each edge.

Attach the Cardboard to the Window: Position the cardboard pieces over the window, ensuring they cover the entire glass surface. Make sure to seal any gaps (with duct tape or additional cardboard) around the edges to prevent drafts.

Test for Effectiveness: Once the cardboard is securely in place, monitor the temperature near the window over the next few days. You should notice a difference in the room's temperature and a reduction in drafts if the insulation is effective.

Decorate the cardboard in a manner that you feel suits the room: Paint on the cardboard / add wrapping paper (e.g. recycling it from a birthday present if possible) or use coloring pencils to add a drawing to the cardboard - if you wish - or want to match the decoration of the room/window. Alternatively, leave blank i.e. original if desired.