Kamal Ghorui
Winter comes around, and everyone gets used to their routine, which consists of checking the thermostat, wearing a warm sweater, and locking every single window as if locking a door to keep out the cold. We think by locking it, we are keeping the cold out. However, even after locking the window and having the room insulated, there is always a breeze that flows right through the gaps between the glass. It appears the windows we try to lock out the cold from are not as sealed up tight as they appear to be.This problem doesn’t just arise from ageing frameworks and faulty seals. Even modern glass allows substantial amounts of heat flow. Despite being sandwiched between heavy-duty walls, one pane of glass still provides limited resistance against the temperature difference and stays relatively thin. This results in a continuous battle where the heat you’ve already paid for constantly escapes towards the colder glass surface. However, scientists are looking into creative and inexpensive methods that could reduce these losses, and perhaps, the solution lies in a package left in your garage.Bubble wrap insulation- An unexpected saviourWhile this approach may seem like an improvised solution, the use of polyethylene bubble wrap as additional thermal insulation is based on proven scientific principles. According to research published in the International Journal of Thermal Sciences, this ordinary packing material can provide effective thermal protection. The secret behind its efficiency is the air chambers within bubbles, forming a highly porous structure characterised by minimal thermal conductivity compared to plain glass.Having a layer of bubble wrap stuck to the back of your window is pretty much like having a double-glazed window at a tiny fraction of the cost. The air bubbles within the bubble wrap remain static, meaning that convective air currents don’t carry away your body heat near the cold window surface. But best of all, you can see through it.
Even closing interior blinds at night acts as an effective barrier, keeping homes warmer and bills lower. Researchers are exploring innovative ways to improve window thermal performance.
In addition to the well-known bubble problems, the hidden leaks that escape the eye are also being addressed by researchers. The smallest gap in the frame of the window, even with a closed window, can be responsible for a large amount of heat leakage. According to the paper Role of airtightness in energy loss from windows: Experimental results from in-situ tests, sealing gaps and using airtight materials such as window covers can reduce heat losses by about 33%. This proves that although the type of glass plays an important role, the installation of the window itself is also vital for preventing excessive energy consumption.Daily practices to keep heat in and reduce billsWhile taping bubble wrap to your window may seem drastic and counterproductive at first glance, there are simpler ways to save both energy and money. For example, it turns out that interior decorating can help maintain adequate thermal insulation. Interior roller shades and Venetian blinds not only hide your personal space but also become an additional insulation barrier.Scientific trials in cold climate zones have shown that simply keeping your internal roller shades fully closed at night can reduce window heat loss by more than 11 per cent. The key is the distance between the shade and the window. When the fit is snug, it minimises the movement of air, preventing the cold glass from chilling the rest of the room. It is a simple, zero-cost habit that can significantly enhance your comfort during the darkest months of the year.Considering the future home? The window is being built as a device for controlling temperature using fluid in its body. The point here is quite clear: windows don’t just allow sunlight in. They regulate the climate of the room you’re in. Block out little spaces where air can slip through, fit yourself an insulating curtain, or even put on some bubble wrap insulation. This will help heat things up quicker without having to pay much.
