Winter’s chill can fire up your electricity and heating bills, but it doesn’t have to! With smart energy-saving strategies, you can stay cozy in your apartment without overspending.
Let’s dive into some practical, renter-friendly ideas to help you save money during the cold season.
1. Fight the draft
Drafts around windows or doors are one of the main reasons for losing heat in apartments. Here are three affordable solutions to get a noticeable difference in temperature.
- Use weatherstripping on your windows to seal any existing gaps. You can choose colors and materials that best match your windows (go for rubber, vinyl or felt) and apply it easily on a clean and dry surface.
- Place draft stoppers under doors or windows, especially if you’re living in an older building. You can even make a DIY version by rolling up old towels or blankets.
- Look for heavy, energy-saving curtains designed to reduce heat loss through windows. Open them during the day to let in sunlight (more sun, please!) and close them at night to trap the heat.
2. Layer up instead of turning up the heat
Sometimes, the simplest solution is the best one. Cozy up with warm layers, fuzzy socks, and fleece blankets and sheets before cranking up the thermostat. This classic energy-saving tip can help you save money without compromising comfort.
Adding rugs to your floors can also create a layer of insulation and keep the warmth from escaping through the ground.
3. Use an energy-saving thermostat
If your apartment has a programmable thermostat, take full advantage of it. Lowering the temperature by just a few degrees when you’re asleep or away from your apartment can lead to significant savings.
If you don’t have one, ask your landlord or property management company to install a smart thermostat in your place. Also, home and consumer electronics retailers have various affordable options to choose from.
Don’t forget to add the gadget to your renters insurance plan and keep the receipt, just in case.
4. Apply zone heating
If you’re renting a two- or three-bedroom apartment, but not using all rooms regularly, you can try something that is known as “zone heating” to keep your heating cost low.
Basically, it means lowering the heat in rooms you don’t use as often.
5. Unblock heating vents
Ensure furniture, rugs, or curtains aren’t blocking your heating vents. Blocked vents force your heating system to work harder, wasting power. A quick check can maximize the efficiency of your heating system, while keeping your apartment nice and tidy.
6. Cook with your oven
Your kitchen can also be a useful energy saver. During long winter days you can make use of your oven for baking delicious desserts or roasting your favorite veggies and warming up your apartment at the same time.
Once your meal is cooked, turn off the oven and leave the oven door open to let the residual heat out. If one of your new year’s resolutions was to cook more at home, here is your motivation. You’ll eat healthier and lower your heating bills!
7. Turn off unused electronics
This is a great tip for saving electricity all year-round, but it’s especially important in winter when we spend more time at home and use more devices. Take advantage of natural light whenever possible, and use the season to rest, read a book, or catch up with a friend.
Switching off devices is also a good way to reduce your environmental impact. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, around 40% of the total energy consumption in the country is used to generate electricity. So, make sure you turn off your TV or game console when you don’t use it anymore.
8. Check your heating system
Talk to your property manager about having a specialist check the heating system in your apartment. Especially if you’ve recently moved in and this is your first winter in the rental, it’s important to make sure that everything is working properly, and the air filters are clean.
Pay attention to any leaks or strange noise coming from the heater. If this happens, document it with photos or videos, and send the details to your landlord as soon as possible.
Why Is Saving Energy Important?
Saving electricity not only helps you reduce your utility bills but also minimizes your environmental footprint. Energy consumption is closely linked to climate change, water pollution or higher CO2 emissions, so every small effort in your apartment makes a difference. By conserving energy, you’re taking a meaningful step toward a more sustainable lifestyle — a win-win for you and the planet.
Keeping your apartment warm and energy-efficient this winter doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. By following these simple winter energy-saving tips, you’ll be well prepared for another cold season, and you’ll create a cozier home while cutting down on power costs in no time.
