Introduction
NYC winters are brutal, and if your apartment has drafty windows, poor insulation, or aging infrastructure, your heating bill — and your comfort — will suffer. Winterizing is especially important in older pre-war buildings where original single-pane windows and minimal insulation allow heat to escape at an alarming rate. Even in modern buildings, a few targeted improvements can make a noticeable difference. Most winterizing tasks are inexpensive, require no special skills, and are completely reversible come spring, making them ideal for renters and owners alike.
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Step 1 Seal Drafty Windows
Hold a lit candle or incense stick near the edges of each window on a windy day to identify air leaks. For temporary sealing, apply removable rope caulk or adhesive weatherstrip foam around the window frame. For single-pane windows common in pre-war NYC buildings, apply window insulation film — a clear plastic sheet that attaches with double-sided tape and shrinks tight with a hair dryer. This creates a dead-air space that dramatically reduces heat loss. You can also use draft snakes or rolled towels along window sills where cold air pools.
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Step 2 Address Door Drafts
Check under your apartment door — in many NYC buildings, there is a noticeable gap between the door bottom and the hallway floor. Install an adhesive-backed door sweep or a slide-on door draft stopper. For the sides and top of the door, apply self-adhesive foam weatherstripping in the door frame. These are all removable and leave no damage, making them perfect for renters. Do not overlook interior doors — closing off unused rooms and sealing under the doors helps concentrate heat where you actually spend time.
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Step 3 Optimize Your Radiators
Make sure radiators are not blocked by furniture, curtains, or radiator covers that trap heat. Place a sheet of reflective radiator foil (available at hardware stores) behind each radiator to bounce heat into the room instead of letting it absorb into the exterior wall. Bleed or service your radiators before heating season starts — make sure air vents are functional and supply valves are fully open. If your apartment overheats (common in NYC steam-heated buildings), use a thermostatic radiator valve to regulate temperature rather than opening windows and wasting energy.
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Step 4 Insulate Exposed Pipes
Any water pipes running along exterior walls or in unheated areas like under-sink cabinets are vulnerable to freezing. Wrap exposed pipes with foam pipe insulation sleeves, which are inexpensive and simply snap over the pipe. On especially cold nights, open cabinet doors under kitchen and bathroom sinks to allow warm room air to circulate around the pipes. In older NYC buildings where pipes run through walls near exterior surfaces, a slow drip from faucets on the coldest nights can prevent freezing and the costly burst that follows.
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Step 5 Prepare for Emergencies
Stock a winter emergency kit with flashlights, batteries, a battery-powered radio, warm blankets, and bottled water. NYC power outages during winter storms can last hours or even days. If you have a window-unit air conditioner, either remove it and seal the window or cover the exterior with an insulated AC cover and seal around the interior with foam weatherstripping. Make sure your carbon monoxide detector has fresh batteries — this is especially important if your building uses gas heat. Know your building super's emergency contact number.
When to Call a Professional
Call a professional if your windows need replacement or major weatherization beyond what film and caulk can provide, if your radiators are not heating properly despite servicing the vents and valves, or if you suspect your apartment has significant insulation gaps in the walls. In NYC, landlords are required to maintain indoor temperatures of at least 68°F during the day (6AM-10PM) when outdoor temps fall below 55°F, and at least 62°F at night regardless. If your apartment cannot reach these temperatures, file a 311 complaint and consider having a professional energy audit done.
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