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It’s summer, and your home deserves a little attention! Regardless of your area, your windows will take a beating from the sun. Moreover, your window installation options will determine your home’s overall insulation effectiveness. A lot of window companies offer special offers in summer, and for good reason. Changing seasons result in window replacement jobs. Why? Because homeowners exchange insulation care practices for new products altogether. Don’t get left behind, and brush up on your insulation skills with the following summertime tips:

 Tip One: Spruce Up Your Cell Shades

A window’s “cell” is its visible side pockets within a honeycomb-shaped shade. A window with more cells is better insulated. Additionally, larger cell sizes increase overall insulation. Window cells contain surrounding air in pockets. These air pockets prevent extreme temperature changes. Don’t worry: Cell shades aren’t a permanent deal. In fact, you can cool off your home by replacing, or even fixing, your window’s cell shades.

 Tip Two: Get Busy with Window Film

Window films can vastly decrease summer heat. Sure, it might be a small touch, but applied window film is incredibly effective. Head out, purchase the film, and contact a professional if you need assistance. While window film can be applied yourself, a professional’s eye works well with spacing and placement.

 Three: Install Low-Emissivity Film

You needn’t turn to window replacement yet. Sure, energy efficient windows work well. That said, you can sidestep an entire purchase by installing low-emissivity film. Low-emissivity film reduces solar heat gain. If you can block your window’s solar absorption, you can strike out insulation problems. If new, energy efficient windows aren’t in your budget, you can make them yourself.

 Four: Out with the Insulation, In with the Shutters

Too many homeowners consider insulation superior to shutters. Shutters are, however, incredibly good insulators themselves. They’re thick, tight-fitting window covers. While insulation does insulate, it still grants air passage into your home. Thick window covers, however, prevent air transmission between a window’s cover and glass. They reduce energy costs, too. Browse around, and find the best option for your home. Additionally, check out insulating shutters for added protection.

 Five: Get Creative with Bubble Wrap

That’s right: Bubble wrap is a cheap alternative to run-of-the-mill insulation. Its application only takes 15 seconds per window, too. Simply cut the bubble wrap to your window panel’s size with scissors, spray a thin film of water across the window, and apply. The bubble wrap should stick in place. When it dries, it should remain there gently. Don’t worry, you won’t damage your window in leaving the plastic on.

While several do-it-yourself window insulation tricks won’t make your home look snazzy, they’re entirely worth it. Reduce your expenses, and take advantage of the many cheap, simple solutions currently available. If you’re daring enough, consider altering your home’s electric consumption. While windows can be altered to reduce expenses, prevention is always the answer. Be sure to check with your provider, too, and examine the many window installation options currently available.