11 Renter-Friendly Solutions for Poor Rental Window Insulation in Canada

Are you looking for ways to fix the cold drafts coming from your rental windows? Living in a Canadian rental with poor insulation can make our long winters uncomfortable and surprisingly expensive, especially when your heating bill spikes.

My first winter in Canada was incredibly hard because I didn’t know about these simple fixes. I could feel the draft coming in but just thought it was normal. Even when we called our condo management to say our apartment was cold, their worker only told us to get an external heater and never mentioned these temporary solutions.

We’re here to help other renters in Canada avoid that same frustration. Here are 11 practical, renter-friendly solutions to improve your window insulation without making permanent changes. Let’s get those windows sealed up so you can walk around in socks again.

Why Bother Insulating Your Rental Windows? (The Real Costs)

Feeling that chill seep in from your windows? It’s more than just an uncomfortable draft. For renters in Canada, poor window insulation is a direct hit to your bank account.

In fact, windows can account for up to 25 percent of total house heat loss. That cold air forces your heating system to work overtime, which can greatly raise your monthly hydro or gas bills.

Beyond the cost, that constant cold draft makes your living space less comfortable, forcing you to turn up the thermostat just to feel okay in your own home.

These temporary solutions aren’t just about comfort; they’re practical moves to keep more of your money in your pocket this winter. While fixing drafts is key, ensuring you also have the right appliances to help during Canadian winters can make a big difference in comfort and cost.

First: How to Find the Exact Source of the Draft

Before you can fix a draft, you need to know exactly where it’s coming from. Don’t just assume it’s the glass. On a windy day, slowly move your hand around the entire window frame.

Can you feel cold air coming from:

• The gap between the window frame and the wall?
• The seam where the moveable part of the window (the sash) meets the frame?
• The bottom sill?

You can also use a stick of incense and watch where the smoke wavers. Pinpointing the exact source helps you choose the right solution. A draft snake, for example, won’t help if the cold air is coming from the top of the frame.

A Quick Note for Renters: What to Do Before You Start

Remember, the key word here is “rental.” All these solutions are designed to be temporary and removable, causing no damage to the property.

However, it’s always a good idea to quickly review your lease agreement before applying anything, even tape or film. Natural Resources Canada also recommends cleaning all surfaces before applying weatherstripping or tape to ensure they stick properly and come off cleanly.

When in doubt, a quick, friendly email to your landlord or property manager explaining what you plan to do (and that it’s removable) is a good move. It shows you’re a responsible tenant and avoids any misunderstandings later.

Always opt for temporary solutions that won’t damage the rental property.

1. Thermal Curtains: Your First Line of Defense

Thermal curtains are a simple way to create a barrier against cold drafts. These heavy curtains have multiple layers of fabric with insulating materials.

For them to work well, you’ll need to hang them from floor to ceiling, making sure they extend beyond the window frame on both sides.

Good thermal curtains typically offer an R-value between R-2 and R-3, and when drawn, can reduce heat loss from a warm room by up to 10%.

• Pro: Very easy to install (especially if a rod exists), adds to your decor, and helps block light and sound. Many options are available at Canadian retailers like IKEA Canada or Walmart Canada.
• Con: Only works when the curtains are fully closed, which blocks sunlight during the day. Must be hung correctly (floor-to-ceiling) to be effective.

2. Window Insulation Film Kits

Window film kits offer a clear, low-profile solution. The plastic film creates an air pocket between the window and your room, which acts as an extra layer of insulation.

You can install these kits using just a hairdryer and basic tools. Look for popular Canadian-sold brands like Duck Brand, Frost King, or 3M at stores like Canadian Tire, Home Hardware, or Walmart. The film is removable and won’t damage rental property surfaces.

Many renters swear by these kits, but be careful with the included tape. Some users report it can pull paint off when removed, so you may want to test it on a small, hidden spot first.

• Pro: Creates a highly effective airtight seal over the entire window and frame. It’s inexpensive and remains clear, so you don’t lose your view or daylight.
• Con: Can be tricky to install without wrinkles. You cannot open the window at all once the film is sealed for the season.

3. Draft Snakes for Window Sills

Draft snakes (or door sweeps) block cold air from entering through window sills. You can buy pre-made ones or create your own using fabric tubes filled with rice or sand.

Place them along the bottom of your windows where cold air typically gets in. For extra effectiveness, use double-sided draft snakes that block both sides of the window frame.

• Pro: The absolute easiest solution. It’s cheap (or free if you DIY with a towel), completely removable, and requires zero installation.
• Con: Only solves one part of the problem: drafts from the bottom sill. It does nothing to insulate the glass or drafts from the frame.

4. Cellular (Honeycomb) Shades

Cellular shades use a honeycomb structure to trap air, creating great insulation. These shades are temporary, removable, and highly effective.

The air pockets in the honeycomb design provide additional insulation value, typically improving the R-value of your windows by 2–3 points.

• Pro: One of the most effective insulators you can buy. They are attractive, easy to operate, and still let in diffused light while closed.
• Con: This is the most expensive option on the list. They must be tightly fitted to the window frame to work, which can be difficult in non-standard rentals.

5. Weatherstripping Tape

Weatherstripping tape seals gaps around window frames. This adhesive foam tape is easy to apply and remove without damaging surfaces.

Focus on applying it where you feel drafts or see daylight around window frames. The foam compresses to create an airtight seal while still allowing windows to open and close.

• Pro: Excellent for sealing leaks around the moving parts of a window (the sash) without sealing the window shut permanently. It’s cheap and invisible when installed correctly.
• Con: Does not insulate the window glass itself. Can be tedious to apply and may not stick well to very cold or dirty frames.

6. Bubble Wrap Insulation

Bubble wrap offers a budget-friendly insulation option. Simply spray water on your windows and press the bubble wrap (bubble side facing glass) against the pane.

This creates an insulating air barrier and still allows light to enter. This method can cut heat loss through the window in half by increasing the R-value from approximately R-1 to R-2.

7. Magnetic Window Insulation

Magnetic window covers create a sealed barrier against drafts. These covers use magnetic strips around the window frame and a clear plastic sheet.

They’re easily removable and provide great insulation while maintaining visibility. The magnetic seal makes sure there are no gaps where cold air can enter.

• Pro: Creates a strong, airtight seal like window film, but it’s removable. You can take it down on a warm day to open the window and put it back up easily.
• Con: More expensive and noticeable than window film. You have to stick a magnetic strip to your window frame, which may be more than some renters want to do.

8. Rope Caulk

Rope caulk is a temporary, putty-like material that seals window gaps. It’s completely removable and won’t damage surfaces.

Roll it between your fingers and press it into gaps around window frames. A popular brand in Canada is LePage No More Drafts, which is designed to peel off easily in the spring. When spring arrives, you can easily peel it off without leaving residue.

9. Window Blankets with Grommets

Insulated window blankets work as movable barriers against cold drafts. These thick, quilted covers hang from removable hooks or tension rods above your windows.

The metal grommets make it easy to slide them open during the day and close them at night. For maximum results, choose blankets with multiple layers of batting and a reflective backing.

When properly installed and sealed to the wall, heavy insulated blankets can be even more effective than standard drapes at reducing heat loss.

• Pro: Extremely effective at blocking heavy-duty drafts. Easy to remove or slide open to let in light.
• Con: Bulky and blocks all light when in use. Requires installing removable hooks or a tension rod, which might not work for all window types.

10. Removable Window Glazing Kit

Secondary glazing kits create a second window pane using acrylic sheets. These kits come with magnetic strips or clips that attach to your window frame without permanent changes.

The extra layer of acrylic creates a thermal break. Adding an interior storm window panel like this could improve a window’s energy efficiency by up to 50%, significantly reducing heat loss, according to Natural Resources Canada.

• Pro: A very effective, semi-permanent solution that is crystal clear and durable. It’s like adding a second pane of glass.
• Con: A much more expensive and complex option. It requires careful measurement and is a larger investment for a temporary rental.

11. Insulating Window Bands

Window insulation bands seal the gaps between your window sash and frame. These adjustable rubber strips fit snugly in the space where your window slides up and down.

The bands compress when you close the window, creating an airtight seal without affecting window operation. One set of bands typically lasts an entire winter season and is removed cleanly in spring.

• Pro: A clever, invisible solution for drafts coming from the sash gap (where the two panes of a sliding window meet).
• Con: Only solves one specific type of draft. It does not insulate the glass or drafts coming from the main frame.

Comparing Your Top Options: Cost vs. Effort

(Note: Prices are estimates from major Canadian retailers like Home Depot and Rona and may vary.)

Solution	Estimated Cost (CAD)	Effort Level	Best For…
1. Thermal Curtains	$50 – $150+	Low (if rod exists)	Large windows, bedrooms
2. Window Film Kit	$15 – $30	Medium	All-over drafts, good visibility
3. Draft Snakes	$10 – $25 (or DIY)	Very Low	Drafts at the window sill
4. Cellular Shades	$100 – $300+	Low-Medium	High-performance insulation, living areas
5. Weatherstripping	$10 – $20	Low-Medium	Gaps around the window sash/frame
6. Bubble Wrap	< $10	Low	Budget-friendly, low-traffic areas
7. Magnetic Insulation	$30 – $70	Medium	An airtight seal you can remove
8. Rope Caulk	< $10	Low-Medium	Sealing irregular cracks & gaps
9. Window Blankets	$40 – $100	Low	Heavy-duty drafts, blocking all light
10. Removable Glazing Kit	$80 – $200+	High	A clear, semi-permanent second pane
11. Insulating Bands	$15 – $25	Low	Specific drafts from sliding sashes

Conclusion

Dealing with drafty windows in a Canadian rental doesn’t mean you have to choose between being cold or facing a massive hydro bill. As you can see, there are many low-cost, temporary, and no-damage ways to seal up those leaks.

Start by finding the source of the draft, then pick the solution from this list that best fits your budget and your window’s specific problem.

Looking for more ways to cut costs as a newcomer? Check out our guide to building your first Canadian budget. And if you’re just getting settled, make sure you haven’t missed anything with our checklist for setting up your first apartment in Canada.

Frequently Asked Questions