Winter is fast approaching, and while many of us are still putting away the fans and packing up air-cons, it’s already time to think about how to keep warm. What can you do to ‘winter-proof’ your rental?
Here are a few steps to keep you feeling cosy this season.
1. Fix your windows
The first order of business should be to secure your windows to keep cold air out. Seal the cracks with basic packing tape and cover them with plastic insulating kits.
Heavy curtains can keep warm air inside where it belongs, and also does double duty as a chic winter-ready decoration.
If you keep the curtains open during the daytime, you’ll be able to let warm sunshine in when it’s available.
2. Clean your air vents
Does your heater have air vents? When’s the last time you cleaned them?
Dust can build up over time and reduce the heater’s ability to get the warm air into the room as needed. And if you have vents leading to unused spaces, keep them closed.
3. Get creative with insulation
If you’re renting in an older property, you may not have access to state-of-the-art insulation built into the walls.
This means that you will need to get crafty with your decorating in the winter with a DIY approach.
If you have large, heavy pieces of furniture, try moving them against the exterior walls or hang up quilted fabrics to create your own den.
Area rugs can also be used to keep floorboards warm. You can roll up blankets or towels and place them under doors to keep draughts at bay.
4. Bundle up
Naturally, you can take things to an even warmer level while still saving money on your heating bills by wearing some extra layers inside.
Put on a nice pair of woolly socks or slippers, invest in an electric blanket, and fill up your hot water bottle at night to keep things toasty.
You lose heat through your head, so putting on a hat and scarf may warm you up faster than cuddling up under a blanket.
5. Purchase a few gadgets
Do you want to control the heating?
Try buying a programmable thermostat. Although it may cost a bit of money, you can always take it with you when you move to your next place.
You can also purchase a humidifier to keep the air warmer and prevent dry, itchy winter skin. Space heaters can be used in a pinch, but be sure to turn them off when you’re not there to supervise.
6. Time your heating use
Many of us have made the mistake of leaving the heat on low all day, in an effort to keep the home at an even temperature.
However, it’s more effective and easier on your wallet to put it on a timer to go on just before waking up in the morning and right before you arrive home in the evening.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to keep heating bills in check while still ensuring that you make it through the winter without a chill!
