When you live in an apartment, winter can seem long and uncomfortable. When cold air comes in, the rooms feel cold, and heating bills can go up quickly. A lot of people think that staying warm costs a lot of money. That’s not correct. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to keep your apartment warm all winter. Just make a few small changes and get into the habit of doing them. It’s mostly about being careful every day and using what you already have.
Keep Cold Air Out
The first thing you need to do is keep cold air out of your apartment. One of the main reasons a home feels cold is because of cold drafts. Move your hand around the doors and windows slowly. If you feel cold air, that means heat is also escaping. You can use rolled-up towels, old clothes, or simple doorstops to fill in these gaps. Thick curtains are also very helpful. During the day, open them to let in light, and at night, close them to keep warmth inside.
Close Up Small Gaps And Cracks
It’s easy and cheap to seal small gaps. Most stores in the area sell basic weather strips or seal tape. You can put these around windows and doors in just a few minutes. This is a very helpful part of how to winterize your apartment. Sealing the gaps keeps warm air in longer and makes your heater work less hard.
How To Use Your Heater The Right Way
Don’t keep changing the setting on your heater. Set it to a level that feels good and leave it there. It wastes energy to turn it up and down a lot. Close doors to rooms you don’t use often to keep the heat in. Be careful when you use a small heater. Don’t leave it on while you sleep or when you’re not home. If you use a thermostat, setting it to a steady, comfortable temperature keeps rooms evenly warm.
Keep The Floors Warm
The whole apartment feels colder when the floors are cold. This happens a lot with floors made of wood or tile. Rugs and carpets help keep heat in and your feet warm. If you can’t buy rugs, you can also use old blankets on the floor in the main rooms. This one small thing can make a room feel a lot warmer.
Smartly Arrange Your Furniture
People don’t think about it, but where you put your furniture is important. Don’t put beds or sofas in front of heaters or air vents. Blocking them keeps warm air from moving around. Don’t put furniture right up against cold walls. Air can move through a small space, which helps keep rooms warmer.
Use Safe Heat And Warm Lighting
Soft, warm lighting makes a room feel cosy. Warm-colored lights can change the mood of a room and make it feel less cold. Candles can also help things get warmer, but you should always be careful. Don’t leave candles alone, and don’t put them near clothes or curtains. If your apartment has central heating, make sure the vents aren’t blocked and let the landlord know right away if there are any problems. Shared heating works best when air can flow freely.
Wear Warm Clothes Inside
One of the easiest ways to stay comfortable is to wear warm clothes inside. Put on layers of clothes, warm socks, and slippers. When you sit or work, keep a blanket close by. How high the heater is set doesn’t always matter as much as what you wear to stay warm.
Cook To Make It Warm
Baking and cooking can help keep your apartment warm. The heat from the oven and stove spreads out into the room. If it’s safe, you can leave the oven door open for a short time after cooking. You get a hot meal and a hotter kitchen at the same time.
Put Moisture In The Air
The air in the winter is often very dry, which makes it feel colder. It can help if you have a humidifier. If not, easy methods work as well. Put a bowl of water near a heat source, or let the steam from the bathroom spread after a hot shower. Plants inside also make the air better, and the room feels better.
Make Small Habits for Comfort
Check your apartment every few weeks for new drafts or loose seals. Small fixes keep the cold from coming back. Over time, these habits make winter easier and less stressful. A warm drink, soft music, and a comfortable routine can also help. You can’t buy comfort with money. If you take care of yourself, make smart choices, and do little things every day, winter will be better.