Drafty windows in NYC: weatherproofing that actually helps
Old double-hung windows, leftover window AC units and gaps around trim are why so many NYC apartments feel cold even when the radiator is blasting. Some fixes take ten minutes. Others need a pro.
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Emergency? Gas smell, CO alarm, fire, sparking or flooding: get to safety and call 911 first.
Find the drafts
On a windy day, slowly move a stick of incense or a damp hand around the sash edges, the meeting rail where the two sashes overlap, the trim, and around any AC unit or sleeve. Rattling sashes and daylight around the edges are obvious signs.
DIY fixes that are safe for renters and owners
- Rope caulk or removable weatherstrip pressed into gaps. It peels off in spring.
- Shrink-film window kits on windows you won't open all winter.
- Remove the window AC for winter, or use an insulated cover and seal its side panels.
- Close the sash locks. They pull the sashes together and cut drafts on their own.
- Door sweeps or draft stoppers for a drafty entry or a balcony door.
Safety first in NYC
Never seal shut a window that opens onto a fire escape, and don't block or remove window guards. NYC requires them in buildings with 3+ apartments where a child 10 or younger lives. Don't put film or caulk on anything you'd need to open in an emergency.
What a pro typically does
- Installs permanent weatherstripping, like spring-bronze or V-strip in the sash channels.
- Re-glazes loose panes, repairs sash cords and balances, adjusts or replaces locks.
- Caulks and seals exterior trim and gaps around AC sleeves.
- Puts in interior storm window inserts, or quotes replacement windows.
Replacement windows count as home improvement work, so in NYC the contractor needs a DCWP Home Improvement Contractor license. Landmarked buildings and co-ops may need approvals. Costs vary a lot by window count, size and building rules, so get a quote.
Co-ops and condos
Window work often needs board or management approval, and many buildings have standard window specs. Contractors will need to provide a certificate of insurance before starting.
Questions
Can I weatherproof windows in my rental?
Removable options like rope caulk, film kits and draft stoppers are usually fine. Keep fire-escape windows and window guards clear. Broken windows and sashes are the landlord's to repair.
Should I just replace my windows?
Not always. Weatherstripping and sash repair can make a big difference to older windows for less disruption. A pro can tell you which makes sense.
Does sealing windows help my heating bill?
Cutting drafts generally reduces heat loss, but how much depends on the building. We won't promise a number.
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