3M Indoor Window Insulation, Insulator Kit for 2 Windows 3ft x 5ft, Keeps Cold Air Out and Warm Air In, Includes Heat Shrink Window Film and Scotch Window Film Mounting Tape (2120W-6)

This could have gone one of two ways. Either it was going to be a huge pain in my butt to do and I'd end up just tossing the whole mess out in a big plastic ball of sweaty frustration, or it would just work. Well, I'm here to tell you that this stuff works! I have two gigantic 3'x7' "picture windows" that have zero window coverings. They face my lake view. I was using a blanket to cover them which, while it worked, made the house dark, and really, who wants to spend 6 months out of the year not lookin' at the view I bought this house for?!?!... So, this was my cheap first attempt at getting rid of the blankets and not spending any money (yet) on window treatments. There was PLENTY of plastic and PLENTY of tape for my use. In fact I only used one roll of tape. I thought it would be messy, clingy, wrapping up on itself, sticking to what it wasn't supposed to, and in the end, hard to see out of. It was/is NONE of those things. I am pretty handy for a gal, so this was within my abilities, but really, as long as you have full range of motion (can hold your hands up to apply the tape and the plastic), then you are "skilled" enough to apply this. I can see through it. It was easy to make minor adjustments on the outside edges once applied. I used the hair dryer, and it did "melt" away the small tiny ripples (they were barely noticeable to begin with). The only "tip" I have is before putting the tape on the window (sticky on the window side, paper on the side facing you), unpeel part of the paper and bend it in towards the tape to make a little folded tab so that when you are ready to pull the paper off you can just grab the little "tab" and rip it off. My first window I did not do this and I think I spent more time trying to get that danged paper off the back than I did on any other aspect of the project. And it was by far the only frustrating part of the entire project. I have attached some photos to show you how well you can see through it, and how well it works on a relatively large window. I live in a 1970 mobile, so every little seal counts. To be honest, I don't even see me pulling it off in the summer. I have a heat pump, and this will help keep the cool air in on those hot days. Since I can see out of it, and you really don't know it's there unless someone points it out, why take it down and do it again 6 months later? If you are on the fence, jump off and just do it.

Living in a region with chilly winters, drafty windows can turn a cozy home into an energy-sapping nightmare. That's where the 3M Indoor Window Insulation Kit comes in. Designed to create an insulating air pocket between your window pane and your living space, this particular kit caters to five standard-sized windows, each up to 3ft x 5ft. Having used similar 3M kits for years, I can confidently say this product is a surprisingly effective and budget-friendly solution for combating cold drafts and high heating bills. Product Overview & Key Features: The 3M Indoor Window Insulation Kit for 5 windows includes: 5 Sheets of High-Clarity Shrink Film: Each measuring approximately 42" x 62" (designed for windows up to 3'x5' with sufficient overlap for taping). 1 Roll of 3M Scotch Brand Double-Sided Acrylic Window Kit Tape: This is crucial – 3M's tape is generally superior to generic alternatives, offering strong adhesion without excessive residue upon removal. The core principle is simple: clean your window frames, apply the double-sided tape, adhere the film, and then use a hairdryer to shrink it taut and clear. This creates an invisible barrier that significantly reduces heat loss. Performance & Effectiveness (5/5 Stars): This is where the 3M kit truly shines. The difference it makes is nothing short of dramatic. Draft Elimination: Cold drafts are instantly eliminated. You'll notice the immediate absence of that chilling breeze near your windows. Temperature Increase: The surface temperature of the interior glass rises noticeably. Rooms that felt perpetually cold, especially near windows, become significantly warmer and more consistent in temperature. Energy Savings: By reducing heat loss, your furnace won't have to work as hard, directly translating into lower heating bills. This kit pays for itself, often within a month or two, depending on your energy costs and the severity of your drafts. Noise Reduction (Minor): While not its primary purpose, the added layer of film can offer a slight, subtle reduction in outside noise. Installation (3.5/5 Stars): Installation is generally straightforward, but it requires patience, attention to detail, and a bit of a knack to get it perfect. Preparation is Key: Start with meticulously clean, dry window frames. Any dust, dirt, or grease will compromise the tape's adhesion. This step cannot be skipped! Applying the Tape: Apply the double-sided tape smoothly and continuously around the entire perimeter of the window frame. Ensure it's firmly pressed down and there are no gaps. Applying the Film: This is arguably the trickiest part, especially for larger windows. Unroll the film carefully, ensuring it doesn't stick to itself or the floor. Start by adhering it to the top tape strip, then slowly work your way down the sides, keeping it as taught and wrinkle-free as possible. It's often easier with two people for bigger windows. Don't press too hard until you're sure of the positioning, as readjusting can be messy. Shrinking with Heat: Using a hairdryer (a heat gun on a low setting also works, but be extra careful), starting from one corner, gently wave the heat across the film. You'll see it instantly tighten, smooth out wrinkles, and become crystal clear. Keep the hairdryer moving to avoid overheating and potentially tearing the film. Don't aim for absolute perfection initially; the shrinking process does most of the work. Tips for Success: Work Clean: A dust-free environment prevents unsightly specks getting trapped under the film. Measure Twice: Ensure you have adequate film overlap for the tape. Be Patient: Don't rush the process, especially the film application and shrinking. Hairdryer Technique: Use steady, sweeping motions. Overheating can cause holes. Appearance (4/5 Stars): When installed correctly, the film shrinks to be remarkably clear and virtually invisible from a distance. It creates a smooth, almost glass-like surface. Up close, you might notice a slight distortion or a faint sheen, but for the most part, it effectively disappears. However, if not shrunk properly, if dust gets trapped, or if the film is stretched unevenly, it can be noticeable. It's a temporary solution, so while it doesn't add to your decor, it doesn't detract significantly either. Durability & Removal (4/5 Stars): The film is surprisingly robust once shrunk and can easily last an entire heating season. It resists minor bumps and pokes without tearing easily. When spring arrives, removal is generally simple. Just peel off the film and then the tape. 3M's tape is designed to minimize residue, but on older, porous paint or unfinished wood, you might find some adhesive residue that requires a gentle cleaner (like Goo Gone or rubbing alcohol) to remove. Always test a small, inconspicuous area first. Value for Money (5/5 Stars): Given its effectiveness in reducing heating costs and improving comfort, this kit offers exceptional value. For a relatively small investment, you get a significant return in terms of warmth and savings. It's an ideal solution for renters who can't replace windows, or homeowners looking for a cost-effective alternative to expensive window upgrades.

I know how reviews go- I know that usually you have that one person who got a dud or was temperamental or had bad intentions and I take one bad review in a slue of many with the gain of salt. I also seldom write reviews and I know that people are more motivated to write a review based on a negative experience than a positive one! I usually write about good experiences. This was not such an experience. I do agree with the other reviewers that it was a pain to do with their directions and the cutting was problematic, etc. I remember buying the packages for my storm doors, not realizing that it would cover both until I had already bought 2. Perhaps that was my error. The rest, I'm sorry to say, must have been the company's. I covered a large storm/patio double door, one quite large window that took up much of the wall (with some creativity on my part) and 3 other, over-sized windows (I say over-sized because they are a little wider than some and definitely longer. "luxury windows" except for the fact that they leak air like you wouldn't believe!). I spent some money here, folks. What is that? A storm door, lets say 2 or 3 sheets for the wall sized window (maybe a triple window size) plus 3 more? It didn't break the bank but hey- I wasn't buying new windows. It shouldn't have come close to breaking any bank. I have convinced myself that this helped in some way but honestly I'm not sure. I really hardly ever say I will never buy this product again but I will not. I feel like this was such crap. I had faith in 3M but they obviously spent all their money in the packaging of the product. It did not take long for me to notice that I had lines or wrinkles in the paper. This usually meant that a spot had come unstuck or needed to be heated more. I found this material very temperamental to the blowdryer. I remember my family using these in the 90's. I watched them use it and I've used it since then. You would think that products would have improved over time(non-appliances specifically). If I tried to get wrinkles out of stubborn spots, it risked being ruined. So some of the film had creases which I feel that yes, my neighbors might have noticed from the outside on a sunny day. Not my preference as the window film became more obvious to onlookers as time went by! Most of the time when the wrinkles or creases would show up, it was because the product came unstuck. I read every bit of the information. I also installed enough of them and not in the same day (because who the heck has that kind of time?) so you would think that at least the last few that I did would turn out flawless. It was such a hassle to babysit these windows and when it was obvious that they weren't sticking I just sort of threw in the towel because I was so annoyed with all the time I wasted trying to monitor something so simple and stupid. A person should be able to put something up in their home and then trust that it does what it's supposed to do. I don't remember when I gave up on each window but I know that it didn't take long before corners or sections of sides were having to be redone over and over again, so obviously they were losing their adhesiveness. I tried to mend by pulling off those sides and re-taping but again, it only lasted a matter of time. I swear, this was such an annoying experience. As if putting this on your window isn't bad enough. I feel like this company really takes advantage of people who cannot afford or are unwilling to replace whole windows and insulation. They prey on people who actually need a quick fix. We were still dreadfully cold in our basement area with so many windows leaking heat. It was ridiculous. By the end of the season, removing the film from the windows was just upsetting because every single window had it coming off - not just a little. It was bad! I'm experienced in using these. I've had them since I can remember. I've never had this bad an experience. Never again. If you are smart, you'll shop around for a different brand. PS when I did my review search on this product, I had already heard that their tape sucked. I tried it on one window and it was true. I got the DUCT brand and the tape was better. Perhaps their film is better, too? Who's to say but what I can tell you is that either they make cheap tape AND film or people thought that the tape was the problem but it was the actual film. It also means that there are bigger and better products out there. This year, I'm back on the market. I hope no one from 3M calls me to offer me free film or some other product perk based on this review because I'll will decline with confidence.

I get these every year and use them on our three bedroom windows. Our house was built in the 70’s and the windows are original. If I don’t insulate the windows with 3M film, they get excessive condensation, which ultimately freezes during cold spells. They also help to keep the rooms warmer. Once you have you have waved a hot air gun or hairdryer over them to remove the creases and wrinkles they become very clear so you can’t even see they are there from a few feet away. I ordered two boxes. When I opened the Amazon packaging, both boxes were open. However, all the contents were there and it was clear they hadn’t been used or opened previously. I did find that the adhesive tapes in one box must have been old - they stuck fine to the window frame but I could not remove the backing. The printing on the backing was faded which makes me think this particular package sat on a shelf for several years. The tapes in the other box were fine. I had enough tape from that box and some left over from last year, so I threw out the bad tapes.

I got the 5 window kit. I did not have any of the problems with the tape I read about in other reviews. It was relatively easy to install and I had plenty of tape. The tape stuck well and even though it took a little bit of effort to peel off the backing it really wasn't a problem and plastic stuck well to it. One piece had a slight swirl imperfection in the plastic when I used the hair dryer on it but really wasn't a deal breaker. I did five windows. All came out pretty clear and it gave a good seal that stopped the cold drafts pouring in from them.

I've been using this for 3 winters now in a place I rent because there is zero insulation in the place and the windows seem to have been bought at the dollar store. These work pretty good to keep out the drafts and keep the heat in, but is all dependent on the tape. I have had to buy the tape separately on one occasion because it must have dried out in a hot storage place and would not peel correctly. It seems to stick much better on tile than it does sheetrock. If it starts peeling off, use some packing tape to keep it going until the Spring. PREP: For my crappy windows, I clean them good and the duck tape every possible opening and gap. This helps a lot. Then clean around the edge of the window frame where the tape will go. Allow it to dry fully, use a hair dryer to dry it. At first you will go mental with the tape. Make sure you clean the area around the window very well and allow to dry! Peel off one side of the tape and apply to the wall. Keep the backing on the tape until you are ready to apply plastic. You will need to over lap the tape in the corners, so you will need to peel off just enough of the backing to overlap. Cut your plastic so you have over lap. Remove tape backing (already applied to the wall). Hold the plastic from the top (both ends and pull tight). Apply to top and work your way down the sides pressing against the two-sided tape. Try to apply it as tight to the tape as possible. If you mess it up, you can pull the plastic off, but I would avoid it if possible. After the plastic is in place, heat the edges where the tape is with a hair dryer and push down (you can use a credit card or something, just careful not to rip the plastic.). Wait a few minutes and heat the plastic with a hair dryer to tighten it. Depending on the hair dryer, you may have to get right on up on it. Be careful not to make it too tight like a board, it should have a little flex, just tight enough. Trim the loose edges with an exacto-knife or scissors. Hope this helps somebody.

I gave this product 5 stars because of its simplicity and ease of use. It comes with solely the cellophane and 3M double sided tape. Both of which, are of high enough quality to fit the needs of window insulation. Since applying this product, my room has been significantly warmer. I have the thermostat for our old victorian home in my room. I would typically have the heat at 68-74 degrees and my room which has 4 windows would be 58-62 at night and around 66 during the 35-50 degree days in Boston. My room is now equal to the set temperature. Occasionally 2 degrees less, but I attribute that to the one window I did not cover. (much smaller stained glass window) The insulation prohibits drafts from the old, creaky windows as well as keeps the heat in. I can tell when there are drafts due to the plastic blowing around. I left a little slack at the bottom to ensure a good seal. I am extremely happy with this product overall. The tape that comes packaged is double sided and works very well on both sides. The cellophane is easy to maneuver and is folded in a way that makes it easy to use. I made the mistake of unfolding it completely for the first window I insulated. However I learned from my mistake. The cellophane is first folded vertically and then horizontally. The way they fold the plastic makes it so you can measure the length of the plastic, cut, then measure the width of the plastic and cut. I lined the inner edge of my windows before I did anything. Before you apply the plastic I would peel the corners of the double sided tape to make actual application easier. Start from the top and proceed with a single side. This way you can perfectly fit the window with excess on two sides only rather than all four. This technique also makes it easier to reduce wrinkles and make a tighter, less noticeable fit. It doesn't matter whether you start the application process with either the right or left edge. It is only important that one side is lined up and one side has excess. I did three windows with this process and it took me roughly an 1.5 hours from opening the box to finishing. The following is a list of Directions for what I think to be the most efficient application process. P.S. although exact measurements would be nice in a perfect world, give your self at least and extra 1.5" in length and width. Directions: Preparation: 1. Line windows with double sided tape, leaving second side covering on. (really press the tape down and take your time this is the second most important step) 2. Peel Corners 3. Measure windows 4. Unfold Plastic vertically, measure and cut 5. Unfold Plastic horizontally, measure and cut Application: 1. Line up plastic with the top edge and left edge of the plastic with the respective edges of the tape. 2. Place corner of plastic onto the top left corner of the tape, i.e. top left corner of the window. 3. Pull plastic tight and place plastic onto the top right corner of tape, i.e. top left corner of window. *(at this point the plastic should be hanging from the top edge of the tape from the corners of the tape) 4. Completely peel off the tape covering from the top edge of the window. 5. Press plastic onto tape from left to right tightly and slowly (This is the most important step, pressing the tape slowly and tightly. This will insure a reliable seal.) 6. Start at the top of the left edge and Peel the tape covering off an press the plastic down in 8"-12" increments till you get to the bottom. *(If you aligned the corner of the plastic properly with the edge of the tape then this side should have little to no excess. At this point the top edge and left edge should be completely sealed.) 7. Start from the top of the right edge and Repeat step 6. (This side should have a little excess) 8. At the window sill (i.e. bottom edge of tape/window) remove the tape covering completely, give yourself some slack in the plastic to accommodate the bend in the window and simply just stick the plastic down. 9. Check your corners for a good seal, especially the bottom edge. Remove and excess on the bottom and right edge of the window if need be, and you should be finished!

Great product! It is actually a long piece of heat-shrinkage film and we could cut the size we want for our windows. Very easy to install and easy to cut!