heatinsulationwindows
I have shutters over my windows, but I can never have them open in the winter because, when I do, my room gets very cold. I do not believe that my windows are drafty as I cannot see light around the window's periphery, and I was wondering if a window insulation kit may allow me to have my shutters open in the winter without getting cold. Will it?
Here is the kit that I am considering: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000AXXCUC/ref=twister_B00G7KO1XO?th=1
Adding that EPDM weather stripping will help if the leak is between the sash and the window sill. I actually had a piece of that stuff in my car to stop a door frame air leak for many years.
I would also check to make sure the air isn't leaking between the sashes of the window as well.
Once you put the weather strip in place, I would go back and double check the perimeter of the window frame for leaks using the old candle test to check for any drafts.
Additionally - Aluminum windows are notorious heat transmitters (they let in lots of heat from outside in summer and cold in winter). I've noticed on cold days aluminum window frames can be so cold relative to inside it almost feels like a slight draft due to convection or whatever effect is in place there.
One more overlooked spot you may want to look at to seal up is your electrical outlets - they are responsible for leaking a lot of air as well. You can get gaskets which go on underneath the cover plates that will seal that leakage up.
Good luck!
You can just cover the window with a heat shrinkable window insulation kit such as this one below available at any home store. It will come with the needed tape to affix it to the window frame (from the inside of the apartment) and then all you need is a hair dryer to tighten it up to a nice clean and clear view. Once summer comes again, it will easily remove without any paint damage as the adhesive is similar to a PostIt notepad type system.
Best Answer
It's tough to say if it will help you in your specific situation, and if so how much. Without getting into that specific kit you linked, those types of products can't hurt anything, so you don't lose much by trying it out. But whether it will make an impact on your heat loss depends on a few factors - the quality of the product, how well it's applied, and most importantly, where you are losing heat.
If all your heat loss is through an under-insulated attic, shoring up the window insulation won't do anything to affect it. On the other hand, if the windows are the main source of heat loss, attempting to insulate them better should improve things, at least a little bit.
Looking for light around windows will only show the most egregious drafts, which should be obvious anyway. Most drafts are due to poor insulation behind the trim, which won't show light around the windows. You can take a lit candle and move it slowly around the windows, looking for any deflection in the flame indicating a draft (this works best on windy days). If you see some indications of drafts, then those window insulation kits should help, although pulling off the trim and spraying expanding foam insulation is the best fix.