Stop winter drafts with WindowDressers

By Reed Parker - March 27, 2025

This has been a real Vermont winter with the winds howling, creating drafts that run through many of our homes. If you need to stop drafts, improve your comfort and reduce heating costs, now is the time to plan for next winter with WindowDressers insulating window inserts.

WindowDressers are custom measured and fit tightly to the inside of your existing windows, letting in sunlight and views while stopping drafts and keeping more heat inside your home. Constructed of high-quality materials and reasonably priced, the inserts are built in “community builds” by volunteers. In 2024, the Williston Energy Committee joined the non-profit Burlington area WindowDressers team to build almost 250 WindowDressers inserts for residents in Williston, South Burlington, Essex, Colchester and Winooski.

WHAT ARE WINDOWDRESSERS INSERTS?

Far superior to shrink-wrap plastic window covers and much less costly than new replacement windows, WindowDressers inserts are an effective way to stop drafts. They are custom measured and built out of attractive pine frames, available in clear coat or white paint, and wrapped drum-tight with two layers of durable plastic film.

The two layers of very clear plastic create an insulating air space while letting in all the light and views from the outside. Foam weather stripping around the outer edges holds the insert in place by friction, requiring no screws or fittings. This ensures a tight fit, and drafts are stopped. Depending on the efficiency of your windows and home, you could see significant fuel savings with inserts in place.

The inserts can be removed at the end of winter and reinstalled the next fall, and with care, should last as many as 10 years. Should the plastic covering be damaged, it can be repaired for a modest price without replacing the frame.

YOUR WINDOWS AND WINDOWDRESSERS INSERTS

Window inserts work with most double hung, sliding, fixed pane and casement windows.  Your existing window frames must have square corners and a minimum of 7/8-inch of interior framing (“jamb”) available for the insert to fit correctly. The inserts may not work in manufactured/mobile homes because of the limited framing around the windows.

Volunteer members from the local WindowDressers team will visit your home and take exact measurements, let you know if the insert will fit your windows and give you the precise cost of the inserts.

WHAT IS THE COST?

As each insert is custom built for your home, costs are dependent on the size of the window. While we are currently waiting on the 2025 prices, in 2024, costs were from $35 for a small window to $65 or more for a large window. We can even create inserts for large picture windows or sliding glass doors. If cost is prohibitive to you, WindowDressers has a program to provide windows at a reduced, or even at zero, cost.

You don’t need to obtain all your inserts in one year as many people obtain a few and add more each year. Renters as well as homeowners are eligible for the WindowDressers program. Information is available for renters to share with their landlords.

COMMUNITY BUILD LEADS TO SUCCESS

A big reason these inserts are so affordable is that you are only charged for materials. Community volunteers are key to the success of the program. Everyone who orders inserts also participates in the community build! Participation is part of the cost of getting inserts, and it’s a lot of fun.

All community members, whether purchasing inserts or not, are invited to participate in any of the many tasks, including project coordination, window measurement, procurement, construction and installation.

During a community build event held over several days each fall, we ask for participation in one four-hour shift for every 3-5 windows requested. All tools, supplies and training are provided, and there are a range of tasks. There are ways everyone can help. Participating in a community build event is fun and a great way to meet new people in your community. It literally builds community.

HOW DO I GET WINDOWDRESSERS INSERTS?

Your local WindowDressers volunteer team is accepting orders now for the fall 2025 community build season. Once you sign up, trained volunteers will schedule a time to measure your windows for the custom-built inserts. Then, in the fall, you and other community volunteers will gather to build the inserts. You will be responsible for transporting your window inserts home and installing them. You can then begin to enjoy a more comfortable home while reducing drafts and your heating costs.

To learn more and sign up for window inserts, visit https://windowdressers.org. If you have any other questions, please contact your local Window Dresser volunteers at burlingtonwindowdressers@gmail.com.

To participate in Williston’s energy future, reach out to your Williston Energy Committee at energy@willistonvt.org or attend a public meeting held on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. The agenda for upcoming meetings is posted on the Town of Williston website (www.town.williston.vt.us). For more information, visit: https://www.willistonvtenergycommittee.org.