5 Ways to Insulate Your Windows for Winter

The best way to keep cold air out is to insulate your windows. Insulation weakens over time. Depending on when your apartment was last remodeled, your heater may be working overtime to keep your place warm.

While you may not be able to convince your landlord to completely replace your windows, window insulation is an easy way to keep your apartment warm and keep your utility bills down. If you're not sure where to start with winterizing your windows, we've highlighted 6 ways below.

Use Weatherstripping

If your windows open and close, it means they have moving parts through which ice and cold air can get in. Fortunately, you can keep the elements out of your home with weatherstripping. Metal, vinyl, and magnetic strips are the most common materials used for weatherstripping. While each of these materials has pros and cons, they're all effective for winterizing windows because they keep drafts out of your home.

Install window insulation film

Window insulation film is a commonly used material used to reduce the impact on windows in winter. When installed properly, window film can protect your home from winter rain, snow, and sleet. While it's often offered as one of the items in a window insulation kit, window film can also be purchased separately. This material is easy to install as it does not require any special tools or skills.

 Install thermal curtains

While most curtains will protect your home from drafts, icy winds, or cold air, insulating curtains are the most effective. Since they include a pre-installed thermal backing, these curtains are able to protect the interior of your home from the winter months.

In addition to being effective, thermal curtains are also aesthetically pleasing. So they not only protect your home from the wind but also accentuate the beauty of your home.

Repair seals

If the caulking on the outside of your windows is cracked or peeling, air can seep into your home, ultimately reducing energy efficiency. By replacing the seals around your windows with new caulking, you can prevent any air or drafts from entering your home.

Install removable magnetic window insulation

Removable magnetic window insulation is the perfect solution if you want to open the windows occasionally in winter. Instead of tape, magnets hold the insulating vinyl in place so you can keep the insulation in place on cold days, but otherwise forget about it. Here's how it works:

Apply several coats of magnetic paint to the window trim.

Measure and cut the vinyl to fit your windows.

Attach the tape to the vinyl.

The tape will hold the vinyl to the magnetic paint and still remove it easily. 

Seal the cracks with string caulk

String caulk is a bit like playdough rolled into a long string that you can pull and tuck into large gaps and spaces in windows. Simply press the seam of rope inside the window frame along the edge. If you live in a ground floor apartment, do extra insulation on the outside of the windows as well.

While the above tips can help you keep your windows and doors protected from the cold, they may have little effect if your windows are damaged or worn. If your windows and doors are starting to show signs of wear, you may want to consider replacing them.