Are Dollar Tree's Window Insulation Kits Actually Worth Buying? Here's What We Found

Dollar Tree has come a long way since the concept of dollar stores first emerged. It's become a gold mine for craft supplies and even affordable fall decor, not to mention it allows you to be that parent who confidently says, "Pick whatever you want," to your kids eagerly eyeballing the toy aisle. But when it comes to practical home items like the Weather Buster Window Insulation Kits, how do they actually measure up? Do they really work, and are they worth buying? Based on customer reviews, it seems like Dollar Tree's window insulation kit may be worth a try. To be sure, the response is mixed: Some swear by it, while others say it doesn't work. One reviewer called it "Perfect!" whereas another claimed the "[t]ape is worthless."

For context, when you buy the Weather Buster Window Insulation Kit at Dollar Tree, (typically priced around $1.50, though it can be a bit higher now that some Dollar Tree stores have raised their prices), you get one 60-inch by 72-inch piece of clear shrink film and a roll of film tape. The tape is applied in strips around the window's edge, and once the film is in place, you then go over the entire thing with a hair dryer, keeping it a few inches away on low heat to avoid burning a hole. The film should tighten without creases and stick to the frame. Unfortunately, some customers say the film doesn't stay stuck to the tape, like TikToker @livin_life_lombardi who showed in a video that it peeled away. Yet, Facebook user Chris Ford writes, "Every year I get this plastic from Dollar Tree to insulate the windows and patio at my home."

For the size and price, the kit might be worth trying, especially if you're willing to make a few adjustments. One reviewer called it a "[g]reat product if you do a few preps," which included cleaning the surface beforehand with rubbing alcohol. That aligns with Walmart's instructions for the Duck window insulation kit, which recommends applying the tape to clean, dry surfaces.

While Dollar Tree's product doesn't specify which surfaces it works best on, Duck's does, noting it adheres better to painted or finished wood, vinyl, or aluminum. Since they're similar products, the same likely applies here. TikToker @livin_life_lombardi even mentions in the comments of her video that her natural wood window frame might have been the problem. To get better adhesion, the film may need to be pulled slightly past the frame and onto the wall, which could be a dealbreaker. Another issue mentioned by reviewers is that if the window frame is cold, the tape won't stick properly. To work around this, use a hair dryer to warm the surface before and after applying the tape.

Overall, the Dollar Tree window insulation kit seems to work well for some. One reviewer said they "don't want winter without them," adding that the kits "make [my] house much warmer" and are "easy to use." But there's always a chance it may not work as well (or at all) if certain preparations aren't made. If you're willing to spend less than $2 and put in a little extra effort, this window insulation kit might be one that is worth it.