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There has been some bad press and there has been some stupid things written about this industry, but what I read today was nothing short than utter and complete nonsense! Here’s a couple of extracts:

“Can putting cling film on your windows act as cheap double glazing and stop them losing heat?”

“A home energy expert, from not-for-profit energy group Ebico, replies: When it comes to retaining heat and keeping homes warm, single glazed windows perform badly on two counts. 

Firstly, as thermal barriers they are inefficient. The single thickness of the glass does little to stop heat escaping, resulting in the property getting cold. 

Secondly, older windows may be ill-fitting, letting in drafts. Draughts of colder air in a room can have a chilling effect on occupants, as the moving air has an effect much like ‘wind chill’. Ultimately, as the temperature of your property drops, the more energy you will use to keep your home warm.

Putting cling film on single glazed windows does in fact help to reduce energy loss.
By providing a second barrier to heat transfer, it creates a very basic – and inexpensive – ‘double glazing’ system. The film also has the potential to stop drafts coming into the home through poorly-fitting windows, making the room feel warmer.”
The hilarity continues:
“Rather than using cling film, you may like to consider using stretching transparent polythene film across your windows, secured with double-sided sticky-tape. These kits can be purchased from most good DIY shops at relatively little expense. 

Not only is this a reasonably cheap solution, but it can significantly reduce draughts coming into your home and increase the room temperature. Additionally, this measure is beneficial, particularly for short-term tenants, as it does not require changes to the fabric of the building which would otherwise need the landlord’s permission.  

However, the main drawback of this solution is that windows cannot be opened and closed whilst the film is in place. Consequently the film will need to be removed each spring and replaced each autumn. 

A longer term solution would be a secondary double glazing system.  Again, these can be obtained from DIY suppliers. Although secondary double glazing solutions are more expensive, they do offer improved access to windows and they can generally be fitted by a competent DIY enthusiast. They can also be left in place year-round.”
I mean seriously! Are they actually saying putting a thin piece of film with double-sided tape over single glazing is just as good as modern day A rated energy efficient windows?! You won’t even be able to open the bloody window!
Who actually comes up with these ideas?! If you have decrepit old timber windows, aluminium or PVCu for that matter, why would sticking film over the top solve all your problems?!
The best solution? Get your hand in your pocket and rip the old bloody things out and put new ones in!

If you want to see this article in it’s ridiculous entirety, click here.