Climate Seal window inserts have been on the market for over 30 years, and with their selection of Climate Seal dealers, they have established themselves as one of the market leaders when it comes to window insert systems.

However, a window insert from Climate Seal is not the only option for protecting your windows. Based on Climate Seal window inserts reviews, there are some downsides to the product. 

Below are both the pros and cons of Climate Seal inserts, from their cost to the lack of invisibility, along with a valuable alternative. 

What Are Climate Seal Window Inserts?

Climate Seal interior thermal windows are achieved through a magnetic vinyl extrusion. They have an acrylic glazing that offers insulation, and, like most window inserts, it installs within or over your existing window cavity. 

In essence, Climate Seal covers the existing window, creating a thermal barrier to keep heat in during the winter and out during summer. 

The Pros of Window Inserts Such as Climate Seal

There are several brands of window inserts available, including Climate Seal. No matter which brand you choose, all window inserts have several common benefits. 

Inserts are not a replacement window, so there’s no construction to remove and replace the glass and frame. And yet, the insert will give you as much increased energy efficiency as replacing a window. The insert will also help increase insulation, keeping your heat or air conditioning inside the house where it belongs. Window inserts are also less expensive than replacing windows entirely. 

And when you choose a window insert, you prevent the window unit from ending up in a landfill, which is great for the environment.

There are multiple benefits to using window inserts such as Climate Seal. For one, the mounting technique that Climate Seal utilizes creates a solid magnetic seal that is able to accommodate some of the fluctuations of the window materials.

Window inserts create a “dead zone” of air between the window’s surface and the enforced acrylic glazing. This dead zone increases the R-value of the window (the higher the number, the better), over 100 percent in the case of single-pane, and increases the insulation of your home. 

(R-value is a number that measures insulation performance, and tells you how well the window will keep your heating or AC inside where it belongs. A single-paned window usually has an R-value around 1, and a standard double-paned window usually has an R-value around 2.)

This dead zone also prevents drafts and allows your home to be more efficient, saving you money on heating and cooling. Inserts from companies such as Climate Seal and Indow are built custom to your windows, so measuring is required. 

They are easy enough to hold in place while you are installing them since they are so lightweight. For Climate Seal inserts, simply press the frame into the window cavity and make sure the seal is secure before securing them with screws. 

Accumulating ice and condensation on windows is a common issue in winter. The strong seal of inserts all but eliminates this issue. There is also good noise reduction so they are a good option for busy neighborhoods.


Diagram of how magnetic storm windows attach to your window frame to create magnetic seal

The Cons of Climate Seal Window Inserts

However, there are some major downsides to Climate Seal Window Inserts. 

Although it will take time, the magnetic seal can weaken over time, reducing the window’s efficiency. And even though they are applied to the interior, magnetic storm seal windows can affect the home’s aesthetic drastically. The metal bracket that holds magnetic windows in place is permanently attached to the window frame, remaining visible even when the windows aren’t in use. If you have a historic home, this is particularly problematic. 

There is also an issue with the seal being a single-direction seal, which will not account for the contraction and expansion of the window insert.

Extreme fluctuating temperatures can cause mechanical failure. The acrylic portion is able to expand and contract, but the metal bracket frame cannot. When the frame and magnets expand or contract, the magnetic seal can break, and the whole panel can pop off the bracket. 

While the installation is easier than replacing windows and the material is lightweight, it is a lengthy process that includes permanent adhesive, drilling, and extra hardware that needs to be assembled upon arrival. 

It is fairly challenging to uninstall entirely and may leave permanent damage to your window frames. This is a huge issue for historic, old-growth wooden window frames, which are irreplaceable, and for those living in rented spaces, such as apartments, that need approval for drilling. 

A Better Alternative


woman installing compression seal window insert

VP of Marketing, Kristina Damschen Spina, installing the insert in the kitchen where the product was invented.


An option to consider to protect your windows is compression seal window inserts from Indow. Compression seals are pressed into place within the window frame, allowing for no alteration or damage to your home’s appearance, unlike the Climate Seal inserts that require metal tracking. Because no metal tracking is required, Indow inserts do not require screws, permanent adhesive, or drilling, making them easier to install and uninstall.

Indow window inserts are built with silicone tubing that provides a seal from all directions, making them even stronger than Climate Seal’s magnetic inserts. Indow inserts are resistant to changing temperatures that can cause failure in track-based systems. They absorb the expansion and contraction that comes with fluctuating temperatures, making them a great fit for any climate. 

When you add an Indow window insert to a single-paned window, you increase the R-value from 1 to 1.87 on average. (Click here to read more about how Indow inserts can help with thermal insulation.) They can help with energy savings, too. In fact, one study showed that Indow inserts can reduce energy bills by nearly 20% in one year. 

Indow also provides excellent resistance to unwanted noise. All Indow window inserts reduce noise outside by at least 50%, and the Acoustic Grade product reduces noise by up to 70%.*

Every Indow compression seal insert is custom-made to your window’s specifications making them particularly well suited for historic homes where each window will have a slightly different size due to the home’s settling over the years. 

Whether you pick Climate Seal or Indow for your window inserts, we applaud you for considering these sustainable options over a window replacement project.

Interested in learning more about Indow window inserts? Check out all the insert collections offered by Indow, and then get a free estimate.

*We want to ensure our inserts help solve your noise problem. Overall noise reduction depends on the amount of noise coming through your walls, ceilings, floors, doors, and existing windows. Noise reduction will be less when placed over double-pane windows. Read our full Noise Reduction Sheet to learn more.