How to Save on Heating Costs in an Apartment

Managing utility expenses in an apartment, especially during colder months, can be challenging due to high heating costs. However, many effective, low-cost or no-cost strategies exist for renters to significantly reduce these expenses. This article provides actionable steps to help apartment dwellers improve their home’s energy efficiency and lower heating bills without major renovations.

Sealing Air Leaks

Addressing air leaks is a highly effective way to reduce heating costs, as they allow warm air to escape and cold air to infiltrate. Identifying these drafts is the first step toward a more energy-efficient apartment. Simple tests, like holding a lit candle near windows and doors, can reveal air movement.

Windows are common sources of air leakage. Renters can apply temporary caulk around frames to seal small gaps, which are easily removable. Weatherstripping, like foam tape, can be applied to window sashes and door frames, costing $10 to $20 for a roll. Door sweeps, which attach to the bottom of doors, can also block drafts for $10 to $15. Sealing these gaps significantly reduces heat loss, potentially saving 10% to 20% on overall energy bills.

Drafts also enter through electrical outlets and light switches on exterior walls. Foam gaskets for these fixtures can be installed behind cover plates to block airflow, often available in multi-packs for under $10. Gaps around pipes where they enter walls or floors, and around vent covers, also contribute to heat loss. These can be sealed with caulk or appropriate sealants, preventing conditioned air from escaping and cold air from entering.

Optimizing Thermostat Settings

Adjusting thermostat settings is a straightforward and powerful method for controlling heating costs. Lowering the temperature by even a few degrees leads to noticeable savings. For instance, reducing the thermostat by 7 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit for eight hours a day, such as when sleeping or away, can result in annual heating and cooling savings of up to 10%. A comfortable and energy-efficient temperature during occupied winter hours is often around 68 degrees Fahrenheit.

If a programmable thermostat is available, its scheduling features can automate temperature adjustments, ensuring efficiency. Programmable thermostats can reduce heating and cooling costs by 5% to 8%, with some smart thermostats offering average savings of around $50 per year. While some apartments offer zone heating, avoid completely shutting off vents if it could negatively impact the HVAC system’s balance or lead to increased pressure.

Thermostat placement also influences its accuracy and system performance. Keep the thermostat clear of heat sources like lamps or direct sunlight to prevent premature shut-off. Similarly, avoid placement near cold drafts to ensure it accurately reflects heating needs. Proper placement ensures the system operates efficiently based on the actual comfort level of the occupied space.

Maximizing Heat Retention

Beyond sealing leaks and adjusting the thermostat, several passive and low-cost methods can help retain heat within the apartment once it has been generated. Utilizing window coverings effectively is a simple strategy. Heavy curtains or blinds can act as an insulating layer, trapping heat inside, especially when closed at night. During sunny days, opening curtains allows natural sunlight to contribute to indoor warmth, reducing the need for the heating system to work as hard. Temporary window insulation film, which can be applied to window panes, forms an additional barrier against heat loss and can be purchased for around $5 per window.

Hard floors can contribute to heat loss, but placing area rugs can provide an insulating layer, making rooms feel warmer and more comfortable. Strategically arranging furniture also plays a role in heat distribution. Ensuring that large pieces of furniture do not block heat vents or radiators allows warm air to circulate freely throughout the living space. Blocked vents can lead to uneven heating and wasted energy as the system struggles to warm the entire area.

Ceiling fans, often associated with cooling, can also be beneficial in winter. By reversing the fan’s direction to run clockwise on a low setting, warm air that naturally rises to the ceiling is gently pushed back down into the living space. This helps distribute heat more evenly, enhancing comfort without increasing energy consumption. For those who cook, leaving the oven door slightly ajar after baking can allow residual heat to warm the kitchen area, though this should be done with caution and only for a short period.

Communicating with Your Landlord

When heating issues extend beyond a renter’s ability to address with simple solutions, effective communication with the landlord is necessary. Renters should report maintenance issues like a malfunctioning heating system, severely drafty windows or doors that cannot be sealed, or inadequate insulation. These problems often require professional repair or intervention under the landlord’s responsibility.

When reporting issues, document all communications, including the date, time, problem nature, and any observed consequences like unusually high utility bills. This documentation provides a clear record if further action is needed. Renters should also review their lease agreement for clauses detailing responsibilities related to heating, maintenance, and utility provisions. Understanding these terms clarifies what the landlord is obligated to provide or repair.

Proactive and polite communication often leads to quicker resolutions. Clearly explaining the problem and its impact on comfort and heating costs helps the landlord understand the urgency and necessity of the repair. Maintaining a cooperative approach generally fosters a more productive relationship for addressing apartment maintenance concerns.