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Some frosted glass sprays can handle the outdoors, but most of them aren't built for it. Sprays made for exterior use will say so clearly on the label. Anything marked “interior use only” can't hold up against rain, UV exposure, or changing temperatures without peeling, fading, or yellowing. Outdoor-rated sprays are typically more durable, but even then, proper prep and application matter. Before spraying anything outside, double-check the product instructions. If it doesn’t specifically mention exterior use, skip it. 

Replacing a window frame will improve your home’s energy efficiency if the old frame is cracked or damaged in a way that allows unconditioned air from the outside into your living space or if you upgrade to a more energy-efficient window frame material. Aluminum is the least energy-efficient window frame material, followed by vinyl and wood. Fiberglass and composite frames are the most energy-efficient.

If you have bubble wrap lying around the house and you don’t care about the odd look, taping bubble wrap over a window is a very affordable way to insulate it. Another inexpensive option for insulating windows is to add new caulk around the glass. This step quickly cuts down on air drafts for older windows, and a tube of caulk only costs a few dollars. Adding plastic shrink film around the glass is another cost-effective option. You can purchase a kit of plastic film for a few dollars per window.

Tinted window films for houses are usually made from a micro-thin sheet of thermoplastic resin called polyethylene terephthalate (PET) that offers the strength and flexibility needed when fitting film to a window. Homeowners looking for a solution that insulates a window without blocking light from a home should investigate low-e glass vs. window film.