The winter months can be brutal. And, if you live in an apartment, keeping the cold out can be especially challenging, especially in older buildings. Even though you may not be able to make any structural changes to make it warmer, there are some things that you can do.
Here are a few different ways to keep your apartment cozy and warm this winter.
1. Look for Air Gaps
There are a few different places where there could be air gaps that will let the cold air get inside.
- Windows
You want to make sure that they are sealed tightly when you close them. If there is any air flowing through, you can usually feel it by running your hand along the edges. Or, you can use a candle to see if any air is moving the flame. Weather stripping or caulking can help seal air gaps around windows. And, as a last resort, plastic will seal drafty windows.
- Doors
Whether they are exterior doors or open into hallways, you want to make sure that they are sealed completely when closed. Check them the same way as you would your windows. If there is any air flowing through, weatherstripping will usually do the trick.
- Outlets
The insulation inside of the walls will shrink over time, and is sometimes sparse around electrical outlets. If you feel air coming in from outlets, let your landlord know. It’s fairly simple to stuff a little insulation inside around the receptacle to stop the flow of cold air.
- Walls
If there are any cracks in the walls or around the baseboards, you’d want to get your landlord involved with repairing them. Not only are they letting the cold air get in, they’re letting the warm air out, and they can also let those little critters get inside.
2. Make Sure Your Heat is Working
It’s not a good idea to wait until you need the heat to turn it on. Test it before the weather gets cold. You just want to make sure that it turns on and will heat your apartment.
3. Insulated Curtains or Blinds
Sometimes, windows are just drafty, and there’s not much that will help except replacing them. And, replacing them isn’t usually an option. But, you can get insulated drapes or window blinds that will stop some of that cold air from getting inside.
4. Install a Programmable Thermostat
Jeff Stewart of Homes In Meridian says that one way to save money on electric bills in the cold months is to install a programmable thermostat. Not only will you be saving money, but you will be keeping your apartment warm and cozy exactly when you need it. With a programmable thermostat, you basically have time zones that you can set for specific temperatures. Here’s how it works.
- Zone 1
Set the times for when you are usually sleeping, and set the temperature a little lower. You’ll be sleeping and won’t usually need it to be as warm.
- Zone 2
Around the time you get up, you would set it at a higher temperature so your apartment will be comfortable when you wake up.
- Zone 3
When you leave for work, your apartment will be empty all day, and won’t need to be as warm.
- Zone 4
Program it back to your comfort level so it will be warm when you get home from work.
5. Keep Plenty of Blankets Out
Regardless of how warm your apartment is in the winter, those endless, gloomy, gray days just seem to make everything feel colder. It’s always nice to have a blanket nearby to grab and cover up with to make you feel cozy.
6. Switch Out Your Bedding
Those light sheets are great for the summer months. But, you’ll want to make sure that all of your warm sheets, blankets, and comforters are clean and ready for those cold nights ahead.
7. Think About Plants
While they won’t keep you warm, they will add some color to those dreary days of gray. And, they produce oxygen naturally, which will make your breathing air healthier. There are some great things about winter. But, dealing with the cold isn’t necessarily one of them. Hopefully, these tips will at least let you enjoy the beauty of winter from the inside of your apartment during the cold months ahead.
