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❄️ Winterizing Your Apartment in Chicago: 20+ Essential Products from Ace Hardware

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Chicago winters are legendary — bone-chilling wind, snowstorms, and old apartments that let the cold creep in. While you may not control building-wide heating systems, you can take practical steps to winterize your space. From sealing drafts and insu...
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🏠 Seal the Drafts

Drafts are one of the biggest culprits behind high heating bills and chilly apartments in Chicago. This section features simple, renter-friendly products — from weatherstripping to door sweeps and draft stoppers — that block wind from sneaking in thr...

 
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Seal gaps around doors and windows to stop cold drafts from sneaking in. Perfect for older apartments with worn frames.
Ace Synthetic-Fiber Weatherstrip for Doors & Windows
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Blocks wind at the bottom of doors, keeping heat in and cold out. Essential for apartments with drafty entryways.
Door Sweep / Vinyl Door Bottom Seal
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Use high-performance tape to seal small cracks and gaps around window frames or molding.
Winterization Tape
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Flexible foam tape that seals uneven door frames and windows to improve heat retention.
Self-Adhesive Foam Weatherstrip
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🧱 Insulate Windows & Walls

Older buildings and single-pane windows are common in Chicago apartments, making heat escape easily. Window insulation kits, shrink film, reflective barriers, and fiberglass insulation roll out easy ways to trap warmth inside and protect against frig...

 
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Plastic film you shrink with a hair dryer to create an insulating barrier over windows.
M-D Window Insulation Kit
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Great for larger windows or sliding doors. Helps block wind-driven cold.
Frost King Shrink Window Kit 84" × 110"
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Place behind radiators or on exterior walls to reflect heat back into the room.
Reflectix Foil Insulation
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Can be applied behind radiators or in drafty wall sections for extra insulation.
Ace House Wrap
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Affordable option for covering windows or protecting surfaces while insulating.
Ace Plastic Drop Cloth
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🔧 Protect Plumbing & Heating

Frozen pipes are a winter nightmare, and inefficient heating can make your apartment feel colder than it is. This section highlights pipe insulation, heat tape, faucet covers, and other products that prevent freezing, maintain hot water flow, and mak...

 
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Insulates exposed pipes to prevent freezing during sub-zero nights.
Pipe Wrap
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Premium insulation for hot water or heating pipes inside your apartment.
Rubber Pipe Insulation
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Covers exposed outdoor faucets or balcony spigots to prevent freezing.
Frost King Faucet Cover Protector
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Clear drains before freeze events to avoid clogs or pipe damage.
Amazing Liquid Fire Liquid Drain Opener
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❄️ Safety & Exterior Prep

Even if you live in an apartment, you may need to manage icy entryways, balconies, or steps. Ice melt, traction granules, shovels, and entryway mats help prevent slips and falls while keeping your apartment safe. A few simple items here protect both ...

 
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Keep entryways, balconies, or stairs safe from ice and slippery conditions.
Ace Pet Friendly Granule Ice Melt
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Bulk ice melt for larger walkways or terrace areas.
Ace Magnesium Chloride/MG-104/Sodium Chloride Pet Friendly Granule Ice Melt 40 lb
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Essential for clearing balconies or sidewalk access in rental apartments.
Snow Shovel
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Provide extra grip on icy steps or balcony surfaces.
Quikrete Tube Sand
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Keep hands protected while clearing ice or handling cold outdoor materials.
Ace Cold Weather Gloves
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Trap snow, ice, and dirt before it enters your apartment.
Wipe Your Paws Entry Mat
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Bonus Items for Extreme Chicago Winters

For those particularly harsh winters, extra measures can make a noticeable difference. Space heaters, thermal curtains, and ceiling fan reversers help supplement your apartment’s heat, reduce energy loss, and keep rooms cozy when lake-effect winds an...

 
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Supplemental heating for particularly cold rooms (use safely).
Ceramic Heater w/Remote
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Perfect for those REALLY cold days that you find yourself waiting for the bus.
Zippo HeatBank Hand Warmer
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Stay prepared for a snowpocalypse - prepared for the fun that follows the snowfall!
Flexible Flyer Blizzard Inflatable Snow Tube
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