Can you turn up the thermostat? Hopefully all the tenants will be splitting the electricity bill. Or get a space heater.
Convince your landlord to get blown in insulation. It is not super expensive, and would lower the bills.
Also, try insulating your windows with this kit.
But to answer your second question, you could get sheets of polyiso at any roofing supply store.
Growing up in the winters we used the clear plastic stuff that you just put on the edges & it did a good job stopping heat leaking out or cold air coming in.
Just stuff like this https://www.amazon.com/Duck-10-Window-Insulator-420-Inch-286216/dp/B002GKC2GW/ref=sr\_1\_14?keywords=window+installation&qid=1654021567&sprefix=window+inst%2Caps%2C84&sr=8-14
I have the same exact issue in my apartment.
Yesterday, I put up "duck brand insulating window shrink wrap".
It's basically a piece of plastic that you stick over the window, and then run it over with a blow drier.
It lets in all light, and so far it's been a perfect solution.
The draft has stopped completely.
Duck Brand Indoor 10-Window Shrink Film Insulator Kit, 62-Inch x 420-Inch, 286216 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002GKC2GW/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_5WQ99MRXSG5GXT2H2YSM?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
We usually use the Duck Brand Indoor Window Shrink Film Insulator Kits like these:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002GKC2GW/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_VYZW1FRZ3D9FXFXKFX5A
It comes with plastic sheets and double sided tape to tape the plastic over your windows, and you use a hair dryer to shrink it tight. Works surprisingly well!
As for my Etsy, I currently sell some knitted scarves I make, some prints of my artwork, as well as some merch produced by a production partner company called Printful where I can upload my artwork to their site and get my work printed on clothes, bags, home accessories, etc. My Etsy shop is TheMainelyArtsyGeek, if you want to check it out :-)
I’ve been the same with my car since 2020. Just groceries/crafting supplies (both stores are right next to each other), the gas station, and my parents house because the literally live a 1 minute drive down the street from my house and I’m there a lot, lol.
Have you tried the plastic you cover the windows with and seal with a hair dryer? My last apartment was an ancient UK Village garden unit with old windows and putting plastic up helped significantly. It kept the draft out and helped keep some of the heat in. https://www.amazon.com/Duck-10-Window-Insulator-420-Inch-286216/dp/B002GKC2GW
That’s a really high bill for an apartment.
There is clear plastic kit you can get at Walmart for your windows. It does a really good job at insulating your windows. Very inexpensive too.
Duck Brand Indoor 10-Window Shrink Film Insulator Kit, 62-Inch x 420-Inch, 286216 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002GKC2GW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_7792HBNZTZ68NABXE5FX?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Close up rooms you are not using. Insulate your house as much as possible. If your windows are old, use window insulation film to keep what little heat you have inside. Can you get a kit like this? Duck Brand Indoor 10-Window Shrink Film Insulator Kit, 62-Inch x 420-Inch, 286216 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002GKC2GW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_A83C5VGE02V7ZSP4MK9T
Plastic painters tarps on the windows. They also sell the plastic sheets for this exact thing at most stores in the north.
Won't be permanent and you may need a space heater but it is pretty cheap and does help.
Sorry to hear you are struggling with this. I live in California and the wildfire smoke can be unbearable. I use this window film and it really helps keep the smoke out.
The window wrap is definitely lighter, but I haven't put it through paces as much as my Tyvek. At this point I probably wouldn't say that I prefer one over the other, so I'll probably stick with the poly to save weight unless something about it fails. It's quite cheap as well. You can get something like this and make multiples. I linked .7 mil, but you could get 1.5 as well. One drawback is that if you get it over about 110°F, it's going to shrink a bit. Shrink Film kit. .7 thick.
Yup, been there. I remember rental places that I could put my hand up to the closed window and could feel the air coming in.
My wife got this special cover for her windows that was basically a thicker longer Saran Wrap that was designed to insulate the windows. I would absolutely look into that.
Edit: found it.
https://www.amazon.com/Duck-10-Window-Insulator-420-Inch-286216/dp/B002GKC2GW/
There are some different sizes but for your larger windows, especially ones that don’t open, it can save a ton of money.
I've used window film with good success on our large windows. Makes a ton of difference, especially if they are old and single pane, it's removable, and it doesn't block the view. Duck Brand
A few lighthearted counterpoints, just so people don't think it's all bad:
-15C was pretty dreadful there, but millions of regulars combat it every day. Wearing long-johns, thermals, big boots (with thick socks) etc. And then having a well insulated apartment. I hear of some poor sods paying $200+ on their heating because their apartment isn't cutting it. A good way to fix this is by getting that thick tape to go over the edges of windows, and then you can get a cling-film lining to vacuum wrap the whole window.
People have already mentioned ways to kill off the cockroaches, and I'll add that the spray is really good (and a strong sweeping brush). Also cockroaches are not the norm – I've seen them crop up (in my limited experience) but myself and most of my mates have had no issues.
Somebody's already mentioned that USPS/UPS will usually leave a note to come a collect it if they miss you. Two things that also aid this: A lot of apartments have deals in place so that packages can be left in a delivery room, or beside the letterboxes (if indoors) and some even email you when it comes in; Amazon and that have lockers that they'll send packages to, and you can collect from there.
It's also worth noting that the post being so constant can be really handy too. I remember forgetting about a birthday party in the evening, and ordering their present on Amazon that morning. So while there can be annoying situations, it's a two way street :) You can get beer delivered 24hrs a day!
Yep. I have to use them every year because the windows are ~30 years old with aluminum frames. Get the Duck brand: https://smile.amazon.com/Duck-281506-10-Window-Insulator-420-Inch/dp/B002GKC2GW/ref=sr_1_1?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1510673743&sr=1-1&keywords=window+plastic
Home Depot sells a different brand that's already pre-cut and doesn't really work if you're trying to apply it to large windows.
I know everyone here likes to DIY stuff but if you can get an installer in, you can replace those windows with new vinyl ones for <$700 each (at least in my city) and you might get a rebate from your electric company. Those windows look like they're pretty old and single pane.
If thats too much, you can also buy a window insulation kit for $10 to seal up the air gaps. That'll probably be way easier than trying to repair the damage.
I if you have drafty windows, it might be worth the money to get some window insulation kits. They are plastic that you cut to size to put over your window. First. You out some two-sided tape around the window frame and then you stick the plastic sheet on, then carefully blast it with a handheld dryer (careful not to get too close or you'll melt a hole in the plastic). In the spring when warm weather returns, pull the tape and plastic off. Here's one but there are lots out there.. Duck Brand 281506 Indoor 10-Window Shrink Film Insulator Kit, 62-Inch x 420-Inch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002GKC2GW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_qW1HybQG6R7HM
Polycro is similarly useful. It's lighter than Tyvek, but less durable. I use it as a ground sheet under my pyramid tarp.
Widely available as heat-shrink window film.
I have single-paned windows in my apartment, which leads to some pretty heavy condensation during the winter. The condensation then drips down onto the windowsill, and forms a few small puddles.
Any tips on how to alleviate this? I was thinking of buying a dehumidifier and using some window insulation - something like this
Thoughts/advice?
Combining yours and /u/GreenStrong's ideas, I wonder if you could get some of the shrinking window insulation, shrink it onto a frame and then hit it with the mirror spray paint.
Look into getting some window film. You'll need something on all four edges for it to wrap around (either some molding or the window frame itself), and then use a blowdryer to tighten it up.
Also as Sir-Drake said, some insulated blackout curtains.
If you insist on not removing it (which really, is the best way and gives you a chance at cleaning it. Not to mention more light). You should try one of these kits.
Essentially it's double sided tape that you apply around your window casing. Then you stick the window cling to it. You pull it taught, but don't worry if it's not perfect. Then you go over it with a hair dryer (or heat gun) and it pulls tight, and looks about as clear as glass.
If your building has single pane windows, do it on them as well, and it will make a massive difference.
Also, for the record, there are companies that will come out, remove your window units, give them a good clean and store them. The following year they'll come back and reinstall.
I'm not OP but they are talking about this stuff. You can find it at pretty much any hardware store this time of year.
Another shaped tarp is the slingfin splitwing. Its 8oz can also pair it with a 2oz beak for full coverage.
Most people use polycro (window wrap) for their ground sheet. Just lay it out and sleep ontop of it, no need to attach it. If you truly need a bathtub for protection then zpacks has that one and Yama has one. Not really sure of any others
Just get insulation kits for the winter until you replace them.
https://www.amazon.com/Duck-10-Window-Insulator-420-Inch-286216/dp/B002GKC2GW/
7 $ see thru
Have you tried one of those window sealing kits? https://www.amazon.com/Duck-10-Window-Insulator-420-Inch-281506/dp/B002GKC2GW/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1538260548&sr=8-4&keywords=window+seal+kit
Seal the windows with shrink wrap plastic like this: https://www.amazon.com/Duck-10-Window-Insulator-420-Inch-286216/dp/B002GKC2GW (available locally at all big box hardware stores).
Heat your bed with a heated mattress pad or heated blanket like this: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Sunbeam-Heated-Mattress-Pad-Queen/48932960?athbdg=L1700
I am going to use polycro for a groundsheet. The two that I've come across are Duck Brand 0.75 mil and 1.5 mil. Is there a reason to go for the more durable one. Are there others out there better than these. Using for Solo use with a Borah bivy tarp setup.
If you don't want a poncho, I would recommend buying Duck Brand Insulation Plastic (Polycryo) from Amazon and making your own rain cover for your pack.
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This sutff is commonly used by backpackers as a ground cloth to go under tents. If you cut it down to size and use tape and some sort of cord or string, you should be able to make a really nice cover for your pack with some practice
The windows leak between the wall and frame. You can use plastic shrink film kits purchased locally or from Amazon. I use the kit below :
https://www.amazon.ca/Duck-281506-10-Window-Insulator-420-Inch/dp/B002GKC2GW
Check this out, I am in Aus. and if I was to buy some it would be this.
Window Insulation Film. It will keep the cold air, condensation (that's what is causing the mold) and the bugs out. In the spring just take it off.
Well, 8 lbs is a much larger piece of plexi than I was imagining. Could you use a thinner/lighter piece?
On second thought, though, perhaps just using some window shrink film would work better. It seals air/water tight, can be easily removed and is cheap. Here's an installation video. It would probably look a lot better than plexiglass, too.
I got this idea from this sub. Instead of using a tent footprint, tyvek, or buying "polycro" I use window insulation for my ground sheet.