How to Stop Cold Air From Coming Through Windows in a Rental Apartment

Your windows are closed, but you can still feel cold air beside your bed or sofa. You want the room to feel warmer without replacing the windows, damaging the paint or creating a problem with your landlord.

The best starting point is to find where the air enters. Use suitable weatherstripping for small gaps around parts that open. Consider an indoor window insulation kit for a window that can safely remain covered. Add lined curtains to reduce the chill from cold glass.

These fixes solve different problems. A curtain cannot repair a broken window latch, and sealing the frame will not stop all heat loss through a thin pane of glass.

This guide explains how to identify the problem, choose a suitable fix and install it carefully. You will also learn which repairs to report, how to avoid trapped moisture and what to do when temporary insulation does not work.

The methods apply broadly to rentals in cold weather, including apartments occupied by Nigerians living abroad. Your tenancy agreement, window design and local requirements still matter.

Find Out Why the Window Feels Cold

Before buying anything, separate an actual air leak from a cold window surface.

Cold air is entering through a gap

An air leak often feels like a narrow stream of cold air. It may become stronger when the wind blows.

Common entry points include:

• The bottom edge of an opening window.
• The sides where the moving section meets the frame.
• The joint where two sliding sections meet.
• Cracks between the window trim and the wall.
• Worn, missing or damaged seals.

The moving frame that holds the glass is called the sash. Knowing this term can help you understand product instructions.

The glass is cold even without a leak

A window can feel uncomfortable without letting outdoor air through.

Room air cools when it touches cold glass. That cooler air can move down towards the sill and floor, creating a sensation similar to a draught. You can also lose body heat towards the cold window surface when sitting nearby.

This is why adding more tape may not solve the problem. If the edges are sealed but the glass remains very cold, an insulating layer or suitable window covering may be more useful.

The window needs a repair

A window that will not shut properly may have a damaged latch, loose hinges, a bent frame or worn hardware.

Temporary products cannot reliably correct these faults. Report them before spending money trying to cover the symptoms.

Check Drafty Windows Without Using a Flame

Choose a cool or windy day when the problem is noticeable. Turn off a nearby portable fan so it does not confuse the test.

Close the window fully and engage its normal latch. Do not force a stiff handle.

Hold a narrow strip of tissue near the edges. Move it slowly along the bottom, sides, top and surrounding trim. Repeated movement at one small gap can help you locate a leak.

Check the same place with your hand. A clear stream from a joint is more useful evidence than a general feeling of cold near the glass.

Avoid using candles or lighters. A tissue test does not introduce a flame near curtains, plastic film or painted wood.

Write down what you find. For example:

Bedroom window: cold air enters along the lower left edge. The latch closes, but the seal looks flattened.

A specific description helps you choose a product and makes a repair request easier to understand.

Choose the Right Fix for the Problem

You do not need every product in this table. Start with the option that matches the leak.

For example, if only one short section of seal is missing, covering the entire window may be unnecessary. If several edges leak and the glass is also cold, you may need more than one measure.

Prepare the Window Before Adding Anything

A little preparation can prevent wasted materials and damaged paint.

Check what your rental allows

Read the part of your agreement covering fixtures, alterations and damage. Ask for written permission when a product will attach to painted surfaces, change an existing seal or require new fittings.

“Removable” does not mean “guaranteed to leave no damage.” Adhesive can lift weak paint, and some sealing compounds can leave marks.

If permission is uncertain, begin with non-adhesive options, such as a fabric draught stopper or curtains on an existing rail.

Gather basic supplies

Depending on your chosen method, you may need:

• A measuring tape.
• Scissors.
• A soft cleaning cloth.
• Mild soapy water.
• A dry cloth.
• The correct sealing strip or insulation kit.
• A hairdryer if the film instructions require one.

Measure each window separately. Two windows that look identical may have different opening sizes or worn areas.

Clean and dry the contact area

Remove ordinary dust and dirt using a method suitable for the frame finish. Wipe away cleaning residue and let the surface dry fully.

Do not attach adhesive over condensation, loose paint or crumbling material. Do not sand old painted frames to improve adhesion. Ask maintenance to assess deteriorating surfaces.

Follow the product’s installation temperature requirements. Adhesive may not bond properly when the frame is too cold.

Use Weatherstripping Around Parts That Open

Weatherstripping is a flexible seal that fills the space between the moving window and its frame.

It is useful when the window works normally but a small gap lets air pass through.

Choose the correct type and thickness

The seal must suit both the gap and the way the window moves.

A compressible strip may work where a window closes against a flat surface. A sliding window may need a different seal that allows it to move freely.

Do not assume the thickest strip will work best. An oversized strip can stop the window from closing, put pressure on the latch or create a new gap elsewhere.

Check the gap range and application shown on the packaging. If the window already uses a fitted brush or rubber seal, ask maintenance about a matching replacement.

Fit it carefully

1. Open the window and identify the surfaces that meet when it closes.
2. Clean and dry the intended contact area.
3. Measure the length needed.
4. Cut the strip to fit.
5. Attach it according to its instructions without stretching it.
6. Close the window gently and test the latch.

The strip should create a seal while allowing normal operation. If closing becomes difficult, stop and reassess the size or position.

Keep material away from hinges, locks and drainage openings. Do not add layers blindly over an existing seal.

Repeat the tissue test after installation. This tells you whether you addressed the actual leak.

Use Removable Sealing Material for Suitable Small Joints

Some small gaps can be treated with a product designed for temporary sealing.

Rope caulk is a soft, putty-like material supplied in strips or rolls. Certain products remain flexible and can be pressed into a suitable gap by hand.

Unlike weatherstripping, a material pressed across an opening joint may need to be removed before the window can open.

Where it may help

With permission and a compatible product, it may help with a small stationary joint that leaks air.

Clean the area, separate the required amount and press it into the gap as directed. Use enough to close the air path without smearing it over a large painted area.

Test a small, less visible section first. Follow the removal instructions rather than scraping it away with a metal blade.

Do not use temporary caulk to hide water damage, hold loose glass in place or seal a required escape window shut.

Permanent silicone, construction adhesive and expanding foam are different products. They are not sensible substitutes for a removable renter’s fix.

Install Indoor Window Insulation Film Where Appropriate

An indoor insulation kit usually contains clear plastic film and mounting tape.

The film attaches around the interior of the window opening. It creates an additional barrier with an air space between the film and the glass. A properly fitted kit can reduce draughts across the covered opening and help limit heat loss.

This is different from decorative privacy film or solar-control film applied directly to glass.

Check whether the window can safely be covered

Ordinary shrink film makes opening the window inconvenient because the covering generally has to be disturbed or removed.

Do not use it where it would obstruct an emergency escape route. Being able to tear plastic eventually is not the same as keeping an escape window readily usable.

Also consider daily ventilation. A window needed for regular airing may be better suited to weatherstripping.

Follow the kit’s installation sequence

For a typical shrink-film kit:

1. Check that the tape is suitable for the frame’s material and finish.
2. Measure the mounting area, including the required overlap.
3. Clean and dry the attachment surface.
4. Fit the supplied tape in the positions shown in the instructions.
5. Attach the film, leaving enough material to complete the seal.
6. Press all edges firmly.
7. Use a hairdryer if instructed to remove wrinkles.
8. Check for loose corners or unsealed edges.

Some kits use a rolled system, while others use a separate sheet. Follow the instructions supplied with yours.

Keep the hairdryer moving and follow the stated distance and heat guidance. Do not substitute a heat gun.

If the tape repeatedly lifts, check for dampness, dust, unsuitable paint or an installation temperature outside the product’s range. Adding stronger household tape can create a removal problem.

Add Lined Curtains to Reduce the Chill

Curtains can improve comfort around cold windows, especially after obvious air leaks have been addressed.

Choose a lining and fabric intended to help reduce heat loss. “Blackout” mainly describes light blocking, so do not assume every blackout curtain provides the same insulation.

A useful fit covers the window properly and extends beyond its sides. Large uncovered edges allow room air to circulate more freely around the cold glass.

Use existing fittings where possible. A tension rod may avoid drilling, but only if the opening suits it and the rod can safely support the curtain weight.

Close curtains after useful sunlight has gone. Open them when direct sunshine can help warm the room.

Keep curtains away from heaters, baseboard heating and hot pipes. Do not cover heating outlets or trap the room’s main heat source behind a curtain.

Check the glass and sill regularly. A concealed wet window still needs attention.

Use a Fabric Draught Stopper for Immediate Relief

A fabric draught stopper is a padded roll placed against a gap. For a short-term measure, a neatly rolled dry towel can serve a similar purpose along a suitable interior sill.

Place it where you identified air entering at the bottom. Keep it clear of locks, drainage openings and heaters.

This may reduce a low-level draught while you arrange a better seal. It will not repair the window or block air entering higher up.

Lift it regularly to check underneath. If the fabric becomes damp, remove and dry it. Leaving wet material against the frame can keep the surface damp.

For a night-time problem, you can also move a chair or bed slightly away from the window if the room allows. This improves your immediate comfort while the underlying fault is being addressed.

Avoid Fixes That Create Bigger Problems

Several popular shortcuts are poor choices in a rental.

Strong tape on painted trim

Duct tape and packing tape can leave residue or pull away paint. Even purpose-made window tape needs a compatible surface.

Do not assume a product is safe because someone removed it successfully from a different window.

Stuffing material into every opening

Some holes and channels allow rainwater to drain. Others provide planned ventilation.

Blocking them can cause water to collect or reduce necessary airflow. If you cannot identify an opening, ask maintenance before filling it.

Spray foam around the frame

Foam used in window installation requires the correct product and careful placement. It can be difficult to remove, and unsuitable expanding foam can cause problems.

Leave gaps behind trim and larger frame repairs to the landlord’s contractor.

Sealing over damaged or wet surfaces

Plastic film does not fix rain entering around a window. A curtain does not treat mould. Tape does not make cracked glass safe.

Report the cause rather than covering it.

Prevent Condensation After Reducing Draughts

Condensation is the water that appears when moisture in indoor air meets a cold surface.

After sealing leaks, pay attention to moisture. Less uncontrolled air movement can change how quickly indoor moisture escapes.

Use functioning kitchen and bathroom extractors during activities that produce steam. Keep designed ventilation openings clear.

Wipe accessible condensation from the glass and sill, then dry the surface. Do not leave puddles hidden behind a curtain or under a draught stopper.

If moisture appears behind insulation film, inspect the installation and report persistent wetness. You may need to remove the film to investigate rather than covering it with another layer.

Repeated mould, soft wood, peeling finishes or water arriving during rain need maintenance attention.

When to Ask Your Landlord for Repairs

Contact your landlord when the window cannot close or lock, the glass is damaged, seals are missing, or a strong draught remains after basic checks.

A useful report includes the room, the exact location, photographs and whether the problem changes in wind or rain.

For example:

Cold air enters around the lower right corner of the bedroom window when it is closed and locked. The seal appears damaged. Please arrange an inspection and confirm whether I may use temporary weatherstripping while waiting.

Keep a copy of the request and any reply. Agree on permanent work before buying materials or arranging a contractor yourself.

Check the Product Instructions Before Your Final Fix

The best temporary repair is one that suits the window, reduces the identified problem and can be removed without interfering with normal use.

For a film installation, consult the manufacturer’s step-by-step instructions for a rolled window insulation kit. They show the tape, film and hairdryer sequence for that particular system; other kits may differ.

If you are unsure why sealing has not removed every cold sensation, ENERGY STAR’s guidance on window comfort, air leaks and condensation explains these separate issues. Cold glass and moisture may need attention even after an air leak is reduced.

Conclusion

Start with the draughtiest window and identify the exact problem before buying a fix. A small opening gap may need suitable weatherstripping. Cold glass may benefit from an insulating layer and lined curtains. Damaged windows need a repair.

Choose a method your rental permits, keep ventilation and escape routes usable, and check for moisture afterwards. Fixing one window carefully is more useful than covering every window with the wrong material.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use kitchen cling film instead of a window insulation kit?

Kitchen cling film is not designed as a window insulation system. It may tear easily, attach poorly or fail to create a lasting seal.

A purpose-made kit provides film and mounting materials intended for this use. Do not assume kitchen film can safely be heated like shrink film.

2. Will bubble wrap stop air coming through the window frame?

Bubble wrap placed against the glass does not automatically seal gaps around the frame. Air can still enter beside it.

It can also reduce visibility. For a confirmed frame leak, address the gap with a suitable sealing method instead of relying on material placed over the glass.

3. What does fog between two panes of glass mean?

Fog trapped between the panes of a sealed double-glazed unit can indicate that the unit’s seal has failed.

This is different from moisture on the room-facing surface, which you can wipe away. Weatherstripping around the opening will not repair the sealed glass unit. Report the fog to maintenance.

4. What if cold air enters around a window air conditioner?

The leak may be around the air conditioner’s side panels, mounting area or perimeter rather than the window’s normal seal.

Ask maintenance to check the installation and use only sealing materials suitable for the unit. Do not block its vents or drainage. Do not attempt to remove a heavy window unit alone.

5. Why is the room still cold after I seal the window?

The room may also lose heat through doors, walls or other gaps. Its heating may be insufficient or obstructed.

Check whether the draught itself has stopped. If it has, investigate the wider room instead of adding more sealant to the same window. Report heating problems separately.

6. How much will window sealing reduce my heating bill?

There is no reliable fixed amount for every apartment.

The result depends on the size of the leaks, outdoor temperatures, heating system and how you use it. If heating is included in your rent, improved comfort may be more noticeable than a direct change in your bill.

7. Can I use a removable window insert instead of plastic film?

Some interior inserts fit inside an existing window opening and provide an additional barrier. Certain designs can be removed without drilling.

Measure carefully and check attachment, ventilation and emergency-removal requirements. An insert may be worth considering for repeated use, but it should not be purchased before confirming that it fits your rental’s windows.

8. How do I remove tape without pulling off paint?

Follow the tape manufacturer’s removal directions. Work slowly, and stop if the finish starts lifting.

Do not use a knife to scrape painted trim or apply an untested solvent. Weak paint can come away even with careful removal, which is why checking the surface and testing beforehand matter.

9. Why does a window draught become stronger when an extractor fan runs?

An extractor removes indoor air. Replacement air must enter somewhere, and gaps around windows may become one route.

Do not block the extractor to stop the symptom. If the effect is strong, ask maintenance to check the apartment’s ventilation and intended air inlets.

10. Can I reuse window insulation film next winter?

It depends on the product. Thin shrink film may tear during removal, while some systems are designed for reuse.

Check the packaging before storing it. Keep reusable material clean, dry and protected from damage. Replace mounting tape when instructed rather than expecting old adhesive to form a reliable seal.