The winter season brings cozy sweaters, hot chocolate, and the magic of the first snowfall. But it can also bring concerns about cost-effective ways to stay warm and safe without breaking the lease. As the temperatures drop, you can take simple, budget-friendly steps to transform your apartment into a comfortable haven. Let’s explore how you can stay toasty, protect your space, and enjoy the season with peace of mind.
Safe Heating Practices Are Essential
When the chill sets in, it’s tempting to crank up the heat. However, using your heating system and other heat sources safely is important to prevent accidents. Follow these tips to keep your apartment warm without the worry.
Keep space heaters at a distance
A small, portable space heater is a great way to add extra warmth to a chilly room, but space heaters require careful handling. The National Fire Protection Association reports that heating equipment is a leading cause of home fires in the U.S.
To use a space heater safely, always follow the "three-foot rule." Keep anything that can burn, like furniture, curtains, bedding, and papers, at least three feet away from the heater. Place it on a flat, solid surface and never on a rug or carpet. Most importantly, always turn it off when you leave the room or go to sleep.
Use your oven for cooking only
Using your oven to heat your apartment might seem like a quick fix, but it's a dangerous idea. Gas ovens can release carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless gas that can be fatal. Continuously running a large electric oven not only drives up electricity costs, but it can create a serious fire hazard if left on for extended periods. Stick to using your oven for what it does best: baking cookies and roasting delicious winter meals.
Don’t forget your smoke and CO detectors
Working smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors are your first line of defense. Test them monthly to ensure they are functioning correctly. If your detectors are not working, notify your landlord immediately, as they are typically responsible for maintaining them. If you have battery-operated detectors, replace the batteries at least once a year. A good habit is to change them when you set your clocks for daylight saving time.
Stop Drafts and Keep the Warmth Inside
Drafty windows and doors can make your apartment feel cold and drive up your heating bills. Thankfully, there are easy and budget-friendly solutions to seal these gaps and keep the warm air where it belongs.
Apply weatherstripping
Weatherstripping is a self-adhesive foam or rubber tape you can apply around the frames of your doors and windows. It creates a seal that blocks cold air from entering. It’s inexpensive, easy to install, and simple to remove at the end of the season without damaging the paint or frame. You can find it at any local hardware store.
Use a door draft stopper
A draft stopper, also known as a door snake, is a fabric tube filled with an insulating material. Just place it at the bottom of your door to block drafts. It’s a simple, effective, and stylish solution. You can buy one or even make your own by filling a fabric sleeve with rice or beans.
Install window insulation film
For very drafty windows, ask your landlord for permission to use a window insulator kit. These kits come with a thin plastic film that you apply to the inside of your window frame with double-sided tape. You then use a hairdryer to shrink the film, creating a tight, clear barrier. This layer of trapped air acts as insulation, keeping the cold out. When spring arrives, the film and tape can be removed easily.
Protect Your Pipes from Freezing
Frozen pipes can be a nightmare, leading to bursts and major water damage. Even if pipe maintenance is your landlord’s responsibility, you can take a few preventative measures to avoid a catastrophe, especially if you plan to be away from home for an extended period of time.
Let your faucets drip
During a severe cold snap, let your faucets drip slightly. Allowing a slow, steady drip of cold water relieves pressure in the pipes and helps prevent them from freezing. Focus on the faucets connected to pipes that run along exterior walls, as these are most vulnerable.
Keep cabinet doors open
Pipes located in kitchen and bathroom cabinets are often susceptible to freezing because they are closed off from your apartment's heated air. On especially cold nights, open the cabinet doors under your sinks. This allows warm air to circulate around the plumbing, keeping the pipes at a safe temperature.
Maintain a consistent temperature
Try to keep your thermostat set to a consistent temperature day and night. While you might lower the heat to save money, dropping it too low can put your pipes at risk. If you plan on traveling during the winter, never turn your heat completely off. Instead, set the thermostat to at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure your pipes stay protected.
Make Your Space Feel Warm and Welcoming
Beyond practical measures, you can make your apartment feel cozier with a few simple decorative touches. These additions create a sense of warmth and comfort that is perfect for the winter months.
Add layers with textiles
This is the time of year to pull out the quilts and blankets that you buried in the linen closet. Drape soft blankets and throws over your sofa and chairs for easy access on a chilly evening. A plush area rug can make your floors feel warmer underfoot. Also, switching to thermal-lined curtains can also add another layer of insulation to your windows while making the room feel more snug.
Use warm lighting
Swap out cool, blue-toned light bulbs for ones that cast a warm, yellowish glow. The right lighting can instantly make a room feel more inviting. Place lamps in corners to create cozy nooks for reading or relaxing. Using string lights or flameless candles can also add a soft, warm ambiance to your living space.
Bring in natural elements
Incorporate natural elements like wood, pinecones, or winter greenery into your decor. A bowl of pinecones on a coffee table or a few evergreen branches in a vase can bring the scent and beauty of the season indoors. These small touches help create a connection to nature and add a cozy, rustic ambiance.
Stay Snug and Secure This Winter
By taking a few simple steps, you can ensure your apartment is a safe, warm, and inviting retreat all winter long. A few small actions—like using heaters safely, sealing out drafts, protecting your pipes, and adding welcoming touches—can make a big difference.
As you settle into the cold season, take a little time to scope your space and stay ahead of typical winter-related concerns like drafts and frozen pipes. With proactive care and a little bit of creativity, you can keep your home comfortable and secure all winter long!
