Winter is on the way, and with it comes chilly drafts, rising heating costs, and a need for cozy comfort at home. For apartment dwellers, winterizing your living space can be a bit different than for homeowners. Fortunately, there are many renter-friendly ways to keep your apartment warm and comfortable. Here’s how to winterize your apartment and keep the cold at bay!
1. Seal Windows and Doors
Drafty windows and doors are a common culprit of heat loss. Check for drafts around your windows and doors by holding a lit candle near the frames. If the flame flickers, there’s a draft.
- Apply Weatherstripping: Adding weatherstripping to your windows and doors can significantly reduce drafts. Look for adhesive-backed foam strips that are easy to apply and remove.
- Use Window Film: Clear plastic film kits are available at most hardware stores and are easy to install with a hair dryer. The film acts as an extra layer of insulation, helping to keep heat in and cold air out.
- Add Door Sweeps: If you feel a draft under your door, attach a door sweep to help block the cold.
2. Add Insulated Curtains
Insulated curtains are a simple and stylish way to keep the warmth in your apartment. Choose thermal or blackout curtains that provide extra insulation by blocking drafts from windows and retaining heat inside.
- Close Curtains at Night: Draw the curtains at night to keep the cold air out. During the day, open them to let in natural sunlight, which can help warm your space naturally.
3. Adjust Your Ceiling Fans
Many people don’t realize that ceiling fans have a “winter mode.” By switching your fan to rotate clockwise at a low speed, it will push warm air that has risen to the ceiling back down into the room, helping to keep it warmer.
- Switch Fan Direction: Flip the switch on the base of your ceiling fan to change the direction. Use the fan sparingly, and make sure it’s on a low setting for the best results.
4. Cover Bare Floors with Rugs
Cold floors can make an apartment feel uncomfortable, especially in rooms with tile or hardwood. Adding area rugs not only makes your apartment cozier but also provides an extra layer of insulation.
- Choose Thick Rugs: Opt for thicker, high-pile rugs or layer rugs for extra warmth. Place them in high-traffic areas like the living room and bedroom for the best effect.
5. Optimize Your Radiators and Vents
For those with radiators or forced-air heating systems, proper maintenance can make a big difference in winter comfort.
- Bleed Radiators (If Allowed): If your building uses radiators, ask your property manager if they need bleeding. This can help radiators run more efficiently.
- Clear Vents and Radiators: Ensure that no furniture or curtains block your vents or radiators. This allows heat to circulate effectively, warming your space more efficiently.
6. Add Draft Stoppers
Draft stoppers are a renter’s best friend when it comes to blocking cold air from seeping in under doors and windows. They are affordable and easy to install without damaging the property.
- Use Door Draft Stoppers: Place draft stoppers at the base of exterior doors to block drafts. These can be DIY (rolled-up towels work well) or store-bought.
7. Keep the Humidity Up
Heated indoor air can get dry in winter, which makes it feel colder than it actually is. Using a humidifier helps add moisture back into the air, making it feel warmer and more comfortable.
- Add a Humidifier: A small humidifier can be effective in a bedroom or living room, and it also benefits your skin, furniture, and indoor plants.
8. Test and Set Your Thermostat
If you have control over your thermostat, setting it properly can help balance comfort and energy efficiency.
- Set It for Comfort and Savings: The Department of Energy suggests setting your thermostat to 68°F during the day and lower at night. If you’re away during the day, lowering it a few degrees can help reduce heating costs.
9. Use Supplemental Heating (Safely)
While space heaters can be effective, use them carefully and make sure to follow safety guidelines. Check if your apartment complex allows them before purchasing.
- Choose Energy-Efficient Models: Look for models with safety features like automatic shut-off and only use them when you’re in the room.
- Place Safely: Keep the heater at least three feet away from furniture, curtains, and bedding.
10. Rearrange Your Furniture for Warmth
Believe it or not, where you place your furniture can impact how warm your apartment feels. Large furniture pieces like couches and beds can block heat if placed too close to radiators or vents.
- Keep Heating Sources Unobstructed: Make sure no furniture is blocking radiators or heating vents, allowing warm air to circulate freely.
- Create Cozy Zones: Arrange seating areas in warmer spots, like away from drafty windows or exterior doors, to create more comfortable spaces during the winter months.
This small shift can make your apartment feel warmer and more inviting without additional heating costs.
Wrapping Up
Winterizing your apartment doesn’t have to be costly or time-consuming, but it does make a big difference in staying comfortable throughout the colder months. By following these tips, you can help keep your apartment cozy and energy-efficient. Enjoy the warmth and stay snug all season long!
