As winter approaches, you may start to notice an icy chill seeping through your apartment windows. Not only do drafty windows make your living space less comfortable, but they also contribute to heat loss, driving up your energy bills.

While homeowners might consider investing in brand-new, energy-efficient windows, renters need a less permanent solution. There are plenty of budget-friendly yet effective options for insulating your apartment windows. We’ll show you how to achieve proper insulation and significant energy savings without forfeiting your security deposit.

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Importance of Proper Window Insulation

Proper insulation keeps cold air from infiltrating your apartment and heated air from leaking out, which helps you stay warm without cranking up your thermostat. In fact, improved window insulation is one of the best and most affordable ways to reduce your heating costs. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you can lose about 30% of your home’s heating and cooling energy through windows. The less effective your window insulation, the harder your heating system has to work—increasing your energy bills and your carbon footprint. 

Beyond this immediate financial impact, poor insulation can lead to issues with indoor air quality and humidity. Rain and melting snow may seep through the windows, causing water damage over time. Pests, dust, and odors might make their way inside. You may also notice excess condensation, which can contribute to mold or mildew on your window frames and sills. Sealing gaps and properly insulating windows should reduce these problems.

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Apartment Window Insulation Options

Many of the simplest ways to fix drafty windows are appropriate for apartment living. Below are a few budget-friendly and renter-approved methods to improve your window insulation. You can find most of these products online or at your local hardware or home improvement store.

Bubble Wrap

Affixing bubble wrap to your windows adds an extra cushion of air between the winter chill and your heated apartment—similar to double-glazed or double-pane windows—while still letting sunlight through. Bubble wrap won’t seal cracks and gaps as well as film, caulk, and weather stripping, but it will prevent indoor heat from leaking out through the conductive surfaces of your windows.

To maximize insulation, make sure the bubble side faces the window pane. Cover your whole window with bubble wrap, and you may be surprised at how effectively this DIY insulation traps warm air inside and keeps cold air out.

Rope Caulking

Rope caulking is an affordable and reversible method of reinforcing old caulk. You can find rope caulk at any home improvement or hardware store. Simply press the rope caulk into the crevices around your windowsills and frames with your fingertips—no caulk gun is required. The rope caulk will seal off any gaps where cold air might enter and stay flexible enough to remove later. 

Thermal Insulating Curtains

For an aesthetically appealing solution, consider investing in new window treatments, such as thermal insulating curtains. These curtains contain multiple layers of fabric that not only block out light but also provide a barrier against heat loss. 

Insulated cellular shades are another option. These pleated shades provide more lighting control than curtains, and according to the U.S. Department of Energy, they can reduce heat loss by 40% or more.

Updated Weather Stripping

Over time, the weather stripping around your window frame can degrade and become less effective at preventing drafts. Updating your weather stripping is an easy fix that only requires a pair of scissors and the materials themselves.

Renters have several types of weather stripping to choose from. You can use adhesive foam tape or weather stripping made from felt, rubber, or silicone. Often, the type you need will depend on where in the window the leak is occurring. Some are made to close gaps between sills, while others are made to fit in crevices or cracks. Draft snakes are a bulkier, nonadhesive option, but they only block drafts at the bottom of windows or doors.

Window Inserts

Window inserts are clear panels that fit inside your interior window frame. Often made from plastic or acrylic and held in place by magnetic tape, these inserts create an extra barrier against cold air. They are more expensive than other options, but you can remove them during the warmer months, store them, and reuse them year after year.

Window Insulation Film

You’ll often find window insulation film as part of a window insulation kit that includes double-sided tape and enough plastic to cover multiple windows. Apply the tape around the window frame, cut the plastic shrink film to fit, and press it onto the tape. Then, use a blow-dryer to heat the plastic until no wrinkles remain and trim away any excess plastic. This creates an airtight seal over the entire window.

When it’s time to remove the film, use a blow-dryer to loosen the adhesive, then carefully peel off the plastic. Diluted acetone, soapy water, or Goo Gone will remove any remaining tape residue. You may even be able to reuse the same plastic sheets next year.

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Our Conclusion

Effective weather sealing can improve your comfort during the cold winter months and lower your heating costs. Each of these apartment-friendly solutions can ward off chilly drafts and get your windows ready for winter. Plus, you can remove them with minimal effort when the weather warms up or you’re ready to move. 

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FAQ About Insulating Apartment Windows for Winter

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