Apartments are great for many reasons—like 24-7 maintenance, trash and snow removal, and often cheaper or included utilities. However, when it comes staying warm, you often have little flexibility with heat. For instance, newer buildings can lack in insulation. And if you live in an older building, the quaint architectural features allow the chilly air to seep in. While curling up next to a cozy fireplace may not be an option for you, there are some simple things you can do to stay warm this winter.
Drafty windows
Older apartments especially tend to have single pane and drafty windows. This can result in a 100-300 percent increase in your electric bill. To eliminate drafty windows, tape over the cracks along the edges of your windows or install some simple shrinkwrap insulation.
Layered curtains
Using heavy fabrics or layered curtains over your windows is also a great way to prevent drafts. Not only will your apartment look trendy, but they will also keep the room a couple degrees warmer. Curtains can be expense; check out a discount department store like TJ Maxx first.
Bake something
Get in the kitchen and start cooking up a storm! Not only will the aroma of baked goods fill your apartment, but the heat generated from your oven will feel nice too. For more warmth, enjoy a cup of hot chocolate or tea.
Snuggle under blankets
Snuggling on the sofa with a quilt or a fleece blanket makes for a relaxing afternoon. As for the evening, you could add a blanket or mattress topper under your fitted sheet. This will make your bed a far more cozy and warm place to be.
Take a hot shower
Not many things feel better than a hot shower on a cold winter day. For extra warmth, toss your a couple towels in the drier. The warmth will feel great on your damp skin.
Use a space heater
A space heater is a great way to turn the heat up in your apartment while keeping heating costs down. But be very mindful of your space heater. Keep it away from flammable items like curtains and furniture. And never go to sleep with your space heater on.
Wear warm socks
If you’re anything like me, you hate having cold feet! One of the best ways to keep warm during the wintery months is by warming wooly socks. I also tend to layer my socks when I venture outdoors. Fleece socks are great too.
Keep doors closed
While it may seem obvious, keeping bedroom and closet doors closed is a great way to keep heat in. With the exception of cabinets with pipes during a freeze warning, this will helpful in regards to your heating bill.
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Jackie Ryan is a freelance writer living in NYC. Jackie recently installed heated floor mats outside of her apartment, which has helped to reduce the possibility of slips and falls during the wintery months.
My apartment gets so cold during the winter I sometimes do all of these tips at once :/
On the flip side it also gets way too hot during the summer – I guess I’m never happy!
Jessica