Many apartments, even those built with proper insulation, have imperfectly sealed areas through which cold drafts enter your space. Often, cold drafts will require you to use more energy (and thus spend more money) to heat your apartment, so they’re worth fixing – but how? And what are the most energy-efficient ways to stay warm? Here are four ways to keep your first apartment warmer during the fall and winter.
Get an indoor air conditioner winter cover
Some people have window air conditioner units, which can introduce drafts outside their typical summer use season. Removing these units during the colder months will ensure that your apartment stays warmer, but if you don’t have the space to store them or just don’t want to remove your unit, an indoor AC cover can help to block drafts.
Before purchasing window air conditioner covers, it’s important to measure the size of your AC unit. Manufacturers recommend different AC covers based on size. Additionally, indoor air conditioner covers are made with different materials, and the proper material for your air conditioner may vary with your climate. An AC cover’s product listing or packaging may indicate what’s best for your setting.
Use a door draft stopper
Many people use draft stoppers for doors, and you can use them on your window gaps too. They are an affordable way to stay warm, and they can also keep out unwanted noise and light.
Draft stoppers are often made with heavy-duty fabric such as polyester or cotton. They’re also typically filled with materials such as ground stone, rice, cotton, or other materials. Some people choose to buy draft stoppers covers that they can fill with their own materials.
Get thick curtains
If you have window blinds or window shades, you may want to add thick curtains for additional insulation. Lightweight fabrics aren’t suitable for preventing cold weather, but thicker curtains available online and in stores are made to block cold air. Curtains made from tightly-woven textiles such as velvet, tweed, suede, denim, and tapestry are highly effective at reducing indoor exposure to drafts.
Get a space heater
All the previous ways to keep your apartment warmer are based on adding insulation, but there’s also the option of actually generating extra heat using a space heater. If you go this route, it’s important to follow space heater safety hazards, as these devices, though highly effective, can be dangerous if used incorrectly.
Because there are so many space heaters available online, it can be hard to figure out which one best suits your preferences. If you want a space heater but also want to save money, there are some heaters that are energy-efficient. However, in some cases, you get what you pay for, and it’s always worth paying extra to keep your apartment safe and sound.
All of these insulation hacks show that staying warm – and keeping your heating bills low – doesn’t have to be complicated. Do you have any winter heating hacks to share? Sound off in the comments!
