With winter just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about how the season impacts your apartment and your finances. We have compiled some renter-friendly tips on how to prepare your home for winter and save on your energy bills while doing so.
While you may think it’s counterproductive to have fans on during winter, it actually isn’t. Switching your fans to rotate clockwise helps circulate warmer air down and push colder air up, meaning you don’t have to crank the heat up as high, since the hot air will be pushed to you. To switch this setting look for a small switch in the center of the fan.
Ensuring there is no outside air getting into your home is important to keep in that warmth, so winterizing windows can be quite helpful in keeping your heating bill lower. Condensation is actually a good indicator that your windows are doing their job and that you are maintaining a good temperature inside your home. To make sure that condensation doesn’t turn into sitting water, ensure your home has good airflow and don’t block windows with things such as heavy curtains or large plants. During the day, leaving curtains open is beneficial not only to help with condensation but also for the warmth the sun can bring into your home.
While the weather is changing, have your thermostat set to 68° to make sure your space acclimates properly to the changing temperatures. Bring any plants you can inside, and any that you can’t cover with some cotton covering, like a bed sheet, and anchor it so the wind can’t blow it. If you have any space heaters or candles, make sure they are in safe locations at a distance from things like fabric or water. It is also important to notify maintenance of any issues as soon as you notice them, to ensure things don’t get worse. Winter also tends to bring dry air with it, so investing in a humidifier can help keep your body healthy and add some moisture to the air.
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