Winter is right around the corner, which means it’s time to start thinking about how you’re going to keep your apartment warm and cozy. Luckily, there are some simple steps you can take to optimize your space and cut down on energy costs!
Taking care of your property during winter can be tricky, but it’s worth the effort. That’s why ResMan has created a comprehensive Property Winterization Checklist to help you get things under control.
1. Install Insulation Film
If you live in an apartment, winterizing your place can be a challenge. Thankfully, there are many ways to save money and increase comfort in the coming months, even in a tight-fitting rental home.
The best way to insulate windows is with window insulation film. It’s relatively inexpensive and easy to install, and it can help you retain as much as 55 percent more heat inside your home.
Before you apply the insulation film, make sure your windows are clean. This is essential for ensuring that the film sticks to the window frame without damaging it.
Next, cut a piece of the film to fit your window. Be sure to leave a little extra material to cover the edges of the window, since you don’t want any air gaps around your window.
Once you’ve trimmed the film, use double-sided tape to attach it to the top, bottom and two sides of your window casing. Do not pull off the adhesive tape yet, as it can damage the film.
When you’re done, be sure to let the window dry. If there’s any moisture inside the film, it can cause condensation and weaken the film, making it less effective.
Another cost-effective solution for insulating apartment windows is bubble wrap. Spray water over the inside of your window and hold a layer of bubble wrap to it, sealing the edges with tape.
Rope caulk can also be a good way to seal up gaps and spaces around windows. This is similar to Silly Putty, but it’s longer and can be pulled apart to suit the edges of your window frame and sill. You can also insulate the outside of your windows by adding weather stripping.
2. Leave Curtains Open
If you want to brighten up your apartment during the day, leaving curtains open is an excellent idea. Not only do they let in light, but it also helps to warm up the place naturally. It’s a great way to get more comfortable without cranking up your heat or even turning on the television.
If it’s really cold, closing your curtains at night can also help to keep the heat in your home. But this isn’t always the best option because it could block fresh air from circulating, which can make your apartment feel much warmer than you would like.
However, if you leave your curtains closed at night, this can deter burglars from breaking into your home, as they won’t be able to see who is inside. This is especially important if you have expensive items or anything that thieves might be tempted to break into.
Another way to prevent your house from getting broken into is to ensure that it looks occupied. Typically, people will leave their blinds and curtains open when they go away on vacation for long periods of time. This is because they believe that it makes it appear as if someone is still at the house, which can be an incentive for burglars to break in and steal your belongings.
Keeping your blinds and curtains closed at night is an ideal way to keep your home safe from intruders, but it’s not the only thing you should be doing when you are going on a trip. You should also lock up all your valuables and make sure that the lights in your house are turned off when you’re not there.
3. Seal Door Gaps
One of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to improve energy efficiency in your apartment is by sealing door gaps. These spaces allow cold air in during the winter and hot air out during the summer, which can cause your heating bill to skyrocket.
If your apartment has a solid door, it might already have weatherstripping attached to the jamb that can help reduce drafts and air leaks. However, if it doesn’t, you’ll need to install new weatherstripping around the door.
A good option is to purchase self-adhesive weatherstrip products. These can be found in many colors and sizes at hardware stores and retail chains.
Another option is to use foam gap seals, which come in a variety of shapes and sizes. These are also available in rubber and silicone and will not crack or freeze in low temperatures.
In addition to helping keep your apartment warm, weatherstripping can also help to prevent noise from the outside. Soundproofing is an important consideration for any property owner, and a door with soundproofing installed will ensure that you don’t have to worry about ear-piercing echoes that can spoil your day.
Additionally, you can use soundproofing materials to help protect your apartment against unwanted bugs and other pests that are attracted to the area surrounding the door. Bugs are a nuisance and can spread diseases.
When installing weatherstripping, make sure that it’s sized to fit the door and frame properly. If the sizing isn’t correct, your weatherstrip can interfere with door closer arms and other hardware. If the weatherstripping isn’t matched up properly, you can supplement it with adhesive gasketing or cut it to fit. You should replace your weatherstripping every five years or so to keep it in good working order.
4. Set Ceiling Fans to Rotate Clockwise
If you’re looking for a way to save money on your energy bills this winter, there’s a simple trick that you can try: turn your ceiling fans to rotate clockwise. This will help your apartment feel warmer without using more energy, which can make a big dent in your monthly electric bill.
According to Apartment Therapy, running your ceiling fan in the correct direction will also help keep you cooler during the summer and warmer during the winter. To determine which setting is best for your apartment, stand under your fan and make a note of which way the blades spin.
In the summer, the blades should run counterclockwise to push air down and create a windchill effect that cools you. In the winter, the blades should spin clockwise to create an updraft that helps circulate warm air throughout your apartment and keeps your heating system from working overtime.
This method works for most ceiling fans. If you have a specific brand of fan, check the installation manual for instructions on which way to set it for the season.
To get the most out of your ceiling fan this winter, turn it to the lowest speed and run it in a clockwise direction. This will push the cooler air up toward the ceiling, displacing the warm air that’s trapped near the top of your apartment. This will make the room feel warmer, allowing you to lower your thermostat. This will help you save money on your electric bill and help the environment at the same time!