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Quick answer: for standard double-hung windows, a multi-pack of Frost King’s 42 x 62 inch indoor kits or 3M’s two-window kit covers most apartments. For tall or wide windows, a rolled kit like Duck Max Strength lets you cut each sheet to size. Leave your fire-escape window clear.
New York City apartments run on radiator heat for eight months, from October 1 to May 31 [3]. Old windows that rattle and leak let that heat out and let cold air in. Clear plastic film taped to the inside of the frame is one of the cheapest fixes: ENERGY STAR says it adds a layer of insulating air that reduces heat loss, and can seal air leaks when the film covers the woodwork [1].
Why it matters in New York
- NYC heat season
- October 1 to May 31 [3]
- What film does
- Adds an insulating air layer and can seal frame leaks [1]
- Plastic storm panels
- Save energy by reducing a window's air leakage, per DOE's Building America Solution Center [2]
- Fire-escape windows
- NYC keeps child window guards off them so they work as exits [4]
- Removal
- Warm the tape with a hair dryer and peel in spring [5]
How we chose
- Indoor, removable kits. Renters can’t replace windows, so we looked only at kits that go on the inside of the frame and come off at the end of winter [1][5].
- Clear size and coverage. Each pick lists the film size or number of windows the maker says it covers, so you can count what you need.
- Established makers with published instructions. Frost King, 3M and Duck all publish sizing and install steps.
- Recall check. We searched the CPSC recall database for each brand on November 2, 2026, and found no recalls for these window kits [8].
Our picks
Best for: Standard apartment windows
Frost King V73/3H Indoor Shrink Window Kit (3-pack, 42 x 62 in.)
Pre-cut sheets sized for a standard window, so there's less cutting. Buy the 9-pack (V73/9H) if you have a lot of windows.
- 3 sheets, each 42 x 62 in. [5]
- 0.75 mil clear plastic film [5]
- Mounts on metal, painted or varnished wood, or vinyl frames with included double-face tape [5]
- Shrinks tight with a hand-held hair dryer [5]
Safety check: Not an electrical product, so no listing applies. CPSC recall search found no recall for Frost King window kits (checked 2026-11-02).
Watch out: 0.75 mil film is thin and can tear if bumped or clawed by a pet. 42 x 62 in. won't fit tall prewar windows; measure first.
See it on Amazon → We chose it from specs and safety records; we haven't tested it ourselves.
Best for: One or two windows in a small apartment
3M Indoor Window Insulator Kit, Two Pack (2120W-6)
A small kit for the two windows that leak the most, with 3M's Scotch window film tape.
- Fits two 3 ft. x 5 ft. indoor windows [6]
- Includes clear film and Scotch double-sided mounting tape [6]
- Maker says it helps reduce condensation and frost and stop drafts [6]
Safety check: Not an electrical product, so no listing applies. CPSC recall search found no recall for 3M window insulator kits (checked 2026-11-02).
Watch out: Only two windows' worth of film. If you have more, a larger pack or a rolled kit costs less per window.
See it on Amazon → We chose it from specs and safety records; we haven't tested it ourselves.
Best for: Tall prewar windows and homes with pets
Duck Max Strength Rolled Shrink Film Window Insulation Kit, 10 Window (62 x 420 in.)
A long roll you cut to each window, which suits the tall, odd-sized windows in older buildings. Duck says this film is about twice as thick as standard kits.
- 62 x 420 in. roll; covers up to 10 windows [7]
- Film described as two times thicker than standard window kits [7]
- Includes window kit tape; needs scissors and a hair dryer [7]
- Works best on clean, dry painted or finished wood, aluminum or vinyl [7]
Safety check: Not an electrical product, so no listing applies. CPSC recall search found no recall for Duck window kits (checked 2026-11-02).
Watch out: Cutting from a roll takes more time than pre-cut sheets, and you'll have leftover film if you only have a few windows.
See it on Amazon → We chose it from specs and safety records; we haven't tested it ourselves.
Best for: Balcony doors and picture windows
Frost King V76H Indoor Shrink Window Kit (84 x 110 in.)
One large sheet for a sliding balcony door or a wide picture window you don't open in winter.
- 1 sheet, 84 x 110 in., for patio doors or large windows [5]
- 0.75 mil clear film; double-face tape included [5]
- Can be stored and reused if it comes off undamaged [5]
Safety check: Not an electrical product, so no listing applies. CPSC recall search found no recall for Frost King window kits (checked 2026-11-02).
Watch out: Once it's up, you can't use the door until spring. Don't use it on any door or window you might need as a way out.
See it on Amazon → We chose it from specs and safety records; we haven't tested it ourselves.
Buying guide
- Measure the frame, not the glass. ENERGY STAR says to buy a kit that fits the width of your window and to leave a few inches of film on each side [1].
- Clean first. Wipe the frame before you apply the tape; ENERGY STAR lists this as a step, and tape won’t hold on dust [1].
- Use a sharp blade. A dull blade will rip the film [1].
- Plan for spring. Frost King says to warm the tape with a hair dryer, then peel; leftover adhesive comes off with warm soapy water or a cleaner [5].
- Count windows realistically. Rolled kits are cheaper per window if you’re doing the whole apartment.
Sources
- ENERGY STAR: Plastic Over Windows
- U.S. Department of Energy, Building America Solution Center (PNNL): Interior Storm Windows and Panels
- NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development: Heat and Hot Water Information
- NYC Department of Health: Window Guards, Information for Tenants
- Frost King: Indoor Shrink Window Kits
- 3M: Indoor Window Insulator Kit, Two Pack 2120W-6
- Duck Brand: Max Strength Rolled Shrink Film Window Insulation Kit, 10 Window
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: Recalls database (searched Nov. 2, 2026)
Common questions
Do plastic window insulation kits actually work?
ENERGY STAR says the plastic adds another layer of insulating air, which reduces heat loss through the window, and can seal air leaks if the film extends over the woodwork. They're a low-cost option, not a replacement for good windows.
Can renters use window film kits?
Usually, because they come off in spring. Frost King's removal instructions say to warm the tape with a hair dryer, peel the film, and clean any leftover adhesive. If you're worried about a landlord's paint, test the tape in a hidden spot first or ask your landlord.
Should I put film over my fire-escape window?
We recommend against it. New York City's Health Department keeps window guards off fire-escape windows so they can be used to get out. A sheet of taped film over that window gets in the way of the same exit.