Prepare your Apartment for Winter

When winter weather hits and temperatures start to drop outside,

your apartment will get chilly, as well.

Use these tips to help prepare your apartment for winter,

and protect yourself from the cold.

Reverse ceiling fans
Running your ceiling fan in reverse in your apartment can keep you more comfortable in winter weather. Since hot air rises, your ceiling fan can push that warmer air back down onto you. Just flip the switch on your ceiling fan. If it’s in reverse, you’ll see the blades going counterclockwise when you look up at it.

Help your heating system
An efficient heating system will cost you less. As you prepare for winter, you will want your HVAC system to run smoothly and efficiently. Apartment management should take care of scheduling appropriate, regular inspections of important equipment. (You might inquire with management when your unit’s system was last assessed.)

You can also help your heating system to work more efficiently by wrapping your hot water heater in a special blanket. Available at home improvement stores, hot water heater blankets run about $15 and insulate a heater to improve its efficiency — that’s a pretty big deal considering that nearly 14 percent of your energy costs go towards providing hot water.

Winterize the fireplace
Turning the thermostat down and cranking up a warm fire can save you big bucks on heating bills. Your apartment fireplace should be number one on the list of amenities to check as you prepare for winter.

When you first use the fireplace, pay close attention to ventilation. If you notice smoke in the air or a strong smell of smoke, you might inquire with your apartment community manager about the process for having your fireplace inspected.

If you do not plan to use your apartment fireplace, make sure the damper (a piece of metal that keeps out cold air) is securely closed.

Prep for zone heating
Think about where you spend the most time in your apartment, and purchase heaters to keep those areas comfortable. Zone heating gadgets might include an electric blanket, a space heater, or a towel warmer — any device that allows you to focus heat where you need it, instead of using extra energy to warm a larger space.
Close off infrequently used areas.
Why should your laundry room have to be as toasty as your living room? Keep infrequently-used rooms and closets closed off during winter weather so that your heater can work more efficiently.

Insulate windows
Window insulation kits use shrink-wrap plastic sheeting to seal off drafts. This inexpensive investment could end up saving you money during a cold winter. Adding heavy drapery around your windows also cuts heating costs. Have maintenance plug up gaps.

Windows aren’t the only drafty places in your pad. Check for cracks and gaps on the outside of your apartment near windows and also inside your unit around outlets and doors. Check with maintenance staff to caulk any large leaks. You can also purchase door draft stoppers to help stop cold air from seeping in through cracks.

Set the thermostat
If you’ve got a programmable thermostat, prepare for winter by setting it to heat your home only during the hours you’re there. It’s much cheaper to turn the thermostat down during the day when you’re at work and back up when you get home, rather than keeping your apartment warm 24/7.

Turning the thermostat down just three degrees can save you money. That’s why utility companies recommend setting your thermostat to 68 degrees. Even if you don’t have a programmable thermostat, you can still save money by adjusting your thermostat manually each day.

Check smoke detectors
Check your smoke detectors when you prepare for winter. While you’re at it, make sure your fire extinguisher is in working order, as well. Heating for winter potentially increases indoor fire hazards, so checking these devices now is a good idea.

Winterize yourself
Instead of turning up your thermostat, make yourself more comfortable with warm clothing. When it’s cold outside, dress appropriately for the weather. And get the right indoor garb for winter weather, too: sweat pants, slippers, warm pajamas, and a blanket for the couch.

Before you make any major changes to your apartment, of course,

check your lease and talk to your apartment property manager to

ensure you are not breaking any apartment community regulations.

Remember that a few small, inexpensive changes can help you stay comfortable

 and potentially save you money this winter.