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To keep cold out, look for treatments that sit close to the window frame and are made from thick, insulating materials. Thermal curtains, cellular shades, window quilts, and insulated shutters can all help retain heat. Layering window treatments, like pairing lined curtains with cellular shades, can provide even better insulation by further reducing drafts and heat transfer.

Not every home needs window capping. Whether or not you need to cap your windows depends on your climate and window frame materials. Wooden windows should have window capping if moisture is a problem. Arid climates like the Southwest may not need window capping due to low rainfall and low humidity.

Vinyl windows have a few cons to consider before installing. For instance, while vinyl windows are energy efficient in terms of maintaining your home’s temperature, the actual process of making vinyl windows involves chemicals that are harmful for the environment. Vinyl windows are also less customizable than some other types of windows.

The disadvantages of putting plastic over your windows are that they are time-consuming to install and don’t always have the aesthetic that you may be looking for. The plastic is lightweight and not at all sturdy, so if you have kids or pets, the plastic can rip easily, meaning you’ll need to replace it often. It also doesn’t allow for the freedom of window movement that window film or shades offer. The single advantage that plastic window coverings have is that they are inexpensive and can be simple to install.