Staying warm in any home during the colder months without paying higher utility bills is a challenge. Renters have it even tougher without the ability to make permanent money-saving additions. Don’t worry, though; you can save money on your heating bills without freezing this winter. Ellicott Development brings you these eight tips for maintaining your heating budget no matter what the weather brings.
1. Invest in a humidifier
You don’t have to spend a lot to keep your space warm. Humid air makes your apartment feel warmer without cranking up the heat. Add plants for more moisture; as a bonus, some varieties help purify the air.
2. Limit exhaust fan use
Sometimes you just have to cut odors in the kitchen or bathroom. Just be sure to shut fans off as quickly as possible to avoid pulling large amounts of warm air out of your apartment.
3. Use windows to your advantage
Open your curtains during the daytime to let the sun warm your apartment. Consider hanging thermal curtains; close them at night to hold heat in.
4. Keep the bathroom door open when you shower
This trick releases warm, damp air into the rest of your apartment.
5. Warm your bed with a hot water bottle
This old-school cold-weather solution really keeps your feet warm when placed under the blanket at the end of the bed. See if Grandma has any extras, or find one online.
6. Cozify your apartment with winter-friendly textiles
We’re not sure if ‘cozify’ is a verb, but creating a warm, inviting atmosphere is easy when you load your couch with snuggly blankets and throw pillows, cover floors with thick area rugs and change out your usual sheets for flannel.
7. Pop dinner in the oven
Put less stress on both your heating and food budgets by skipping dinner out. Whether you whip up a restaurant-worthy creation or heat up frozen lasagna, keep the oven door open when you finish cooking for a blast of warmth.
8. Keep drafts at bay
Even in buildings with energy-efficient windows, cold winter air sometimes makes its way in. Place draft stoppers on sills, and consider applying a window film kit. Contact your building manager or landlord for approval before applying adhesive materials to windows.
From opening your oven door to turning on a humidifier, these hacks will keep your apartment warm without destroying your utility budget.
Livingston Gardens Apartments
North Brunswick, NJ