If you are a fan of the TV series Game of Thrones, you are probably familiar with the saying “winter is coming.” With that said, when you hear “winter,” you know it is time to get your home in order.
Let’s face it, most landlords do not invest heavily in insulation, which can break your apartment living experience. This is why we have taken the time to go over some pointers to help you stay cozy during the winter months.
How to Keep Apartment Warm in Winter
The good news is that with a little DIY work, you can still keep your place warm. Some of these may take a little time and necessitate some purchases, but you can get them done for as little as $10.
Let’s look at some tips you can use to keep your apartment warm during winter:
Change Your HVAC Filters
Did you know that replacing your HVAC filters every month can save you money? As time goes on, the air inside your rental becomes more and more polluted with dirt, dust particles, and allergens. Learn more on how to reduce dust in an apartment here.
These particles also build up on your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning filters, reducing the unit’s ability to heat your home efficiently due to needing to work harder to do the job. Keeping a clean filter can help keep your heating bills down and make sure that your apartment is warm.
Check for Air Leaks
Cracks in doors and windows can greatly impact your heating bill. The air conditioning or heating system can not keep up with the air leaking from these cracks. During winter, cold air leaks under the door and window frame, which may cause your apartment to lose up to 30% of heat inside (heat loss).
If you notice any cracks that can lead to air leaks, it is best to seal them up as soon as possible. Energy-efficient windows will trap warm air inside, hence keeping the apartment warm. This is also the time to check your window air conditioner, if you have one, is sealed properly.
A common method of sealing air gaps around windows and doors is to use weather stripping, which you can find at any local hardware store. A door sweep is useful here too, and can also help to dampen the sound of banging doors.
Apply Window Insulator Film
Every year, the average household spends about $1,500 on energy bills. This can be a significant amount of money for those with families. The majority of this figure is frequently attributed to heat loss. Learn more on how to keep utility bills low in an apartment.
Poorly insulated windows are one of the top reasons for this high cost. Window insulation kits are easy enough for even a novice handyperson to install, and can significantly reduce these monthly fees.
Let the Sun Shine
During the winter months, we spend a lot of time indoors. What if we could use the sunlight to help us stay warm, even when it’s freezing outside?
On a sunny day, open up your curtains and let some light in. By opening the curtains during the day, you can enjoy natural sunlight that will keep your apartment feeling warmer.
Close the Curtains at Night
Opening your curtains during the day is a great way to let natural light into your house. With that said, if you are going to leave them open at night, it will start freezing again soon!
These curtains will absorb the heat during the day and release it at night, trapping it inside your home. With that said, find some heavy curtains or thermal curtains for your windows and doors during the winter.
Purchase a few Area Rugs
The winter months can be tough on people with a bare floor. The cold air seeps into the room and under your floorboards, making your apartment feel draftier. A quick way to warm up a room is by putting down some rugs – you will be surprised how much of a difference it makes!
Thes rugs help to insulate your home and keep the heat in. They also add texture to a room and make it feel cozier.
Keep the Bathroom Door Open when You Shower
A bathroom is already a humid place. When you take a hot shower, the steam rises and enters the hallway of your home or cold room. Leaving the bathroom door open will help warm air in your home or apartment.
Leave the Oven Door Open after Cooking
The kitchen can be a hot and humid place, especially after you have been cooking in the oven. A great way to utilize this heat is to leave the oven door open after you have finished cooking. This will allow the stagnant warm air to escape and enter other rooms in your home, which can naturally make them more comfortable.
Warm Your Bed with a Hot Water Bottle
You may have heard this tip before, but you should definitely try it if you haven’t! It is from the old-school days and is not really talked about much nowadays due to the inventions of electric blankets and heated mattress pads. However, when the weather gets cold, a hot water bottle can be your best friend.
How does it work? Heat a small amount of water to the boiling point, then pour it into a bottle. Place it at the end of your bed. That way, the heat is wrapped around to keep your feet warm while you are resting.
Buy an Energy–Efficient Space Heater
When you catch a cold, plenty of remedies will help you get well soon. One of them is to turn up the heat in your home and make your apartment feel warmer, thus, more comfortable.
Given the fact that space heaters are infamous for being inefficient, strive to choose a space heater that is both energy-efficient and capable of heating a greater area with its warm air/hot air.
Boil a Pot of Water
There is nothing like a hot cup of tea to warm up on a chilly day, but how do you get the water boiling? Whether you use an electric kettle or an open pot, it does not matter – as long as it is boiling! Not only will your kitchen be warmer, but also your living area.
Final Thought
Nothing beats coming home to warm air in a comfortable apartment when you live in a cold area. Keeping your apartment warm can be as simple as following the suggestions mentioned above. Some techniques may even assist you in avoiding a massive increase in your heating bills.
