Home improvement stores carry foam insulation board. It comes in various thicknesses but the one type has a foil backing already applied. I believe it is about 1/2-inch thick. It comes in 4ft x 8 ft sheets. Cut it to fit snugly in your window with the shiny side facing in to reflect the heat back into the room. Don't press the board directly against the window as the air gap between the board and window helps insulate better. The snug fit will also cut any drafts.
During the day, you can pull the foam board out of the window opening and let the sun in on the southern side. Keep them in for the northern side. Or paint the non-foil side black and leave them in during the day. The black will absorb the sun and heat the air gap between the window and board.
Conversely, in the summer, you can cut your cooling bill by putting the foam board in the window with the foil side out to reflect the hot summer heat.
For less than $7 for a 32 sq. ft. sheet, the insulation can cover several windows and reap a lot of savings. There is no tacking or hanging blankets and they're easier to remove during the day. The insulation value is also better and the foil reflects the radiant heat.
An acquaintance tried this on his home with single pane windows and cut his winter heating bill in about half!
Home improvement stores carry foam insulation board. It comes in various thicknesses but the one type has a foil backing already applied. I believe it is about 1/2-inch thick. It comes in 4ft x 8 ft sheets. Cut it to fit snugly in your window with the shiny side facing in to reflect the heat back into the room. Don't press the board directly against the window as the air gap between the board and window helps insulate better. The snug fit will also cut any drafts.
During the day, you can pull the foam board out of the window opening and let the sun in on the southern side. Keep them in for the northern side. Or paint the non-foil side black and leave them in during the day. The black will absorb the sun and heat the air gap between the window and board.
Conversely, in the summer, you can cut your cooling bill by putting the foam board in the window with the foil side out to reflect the hot summer heat.
For less than $7 for a 32 sq. ft. sheet, the insulation can cover several windows and reap a lot of savings. There is no tacking or hanging blankets and they're easier to remove during the day. The insulation value is also better and the foil reflects the radiant heat.
An acquaintance tried this on his home with single pane windows and cut his winter heating bill in about half!