An apparatus and method for unfreezing a window from a window seal are disclosed. According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the apparatus includes a vehicle door assembly including a vehicle door and a window. The apparatus further includes a window seal that receives an upper edge of the window and a heating element coupled to the upper edge or the window seal. The system further includes a power source that provides an electrical current to the heating element and a control module configured to receive a remote unlock signal from a remote device, obtain a temperature signal indicating a temperature in response to the remote unlock signal, compare the temperature indicated by the temperature signal to a temperature threshold, and cause the power source to provide the electrical current to the heating element when the temperature is less than the temperature threshold.