Winter hits hard and quick; temperatures plummet and frost covers everything. Preparing for winter before the cold fully sets in can save you from a lot of headaches later. Follow these winter prep tips to stay cozy and avoid unpleasant midseason surprises.
Key Takeaways
- Set your thermostat between 60–75°F to prevent frozen pipes and reduce strain on your HVAC system, especially when you’re away.
- Let faucets drip and open cabinet doors to keep pipes from freezing during sub-freezing temperatures.
- Use renter-friendly fixes like weather stripping, heavy drapes, and reversed ceiling fans to improve warmth and cut down on heating bills.
Check Your HVAC System
One of the most important precautions to take before the winter months is to test your heating system before it gets too cold. Don’t wait for a freezing night to find out your heater isn’t working. When you first turn on your heat, you may smell a burnt scent. Don’t worry; that smell is just the dust burning after months of the unit being idle.
Don’t completely turn off your heat while you are away from your apartment or delay turning it on to save money. Keeping the temperature between 60-75°F will prevent your heating system from overworking and possibly breaking down. Having the heat on also helps pipes from freezing.
Prevent Your Pipes from Freezing
When outside temperatures are below 32°F, keep your faucets running at a slow drip to prevent your pipes from freezing. Flowing water is much more difficult to freeze than sitting water. Open cupboards to let warm air flow circulate around the pipes.
Most apartment communities send out some kind of notification to remind you of preventative measures when the temperature drops below freezing. Make sure the office has your correct contact information so you don’t miss this important message.
Change Your Filter
A fresh air filter each month means less dust in your apartment, and less work for your HVAC system. Maintenance will handle filter replacements, just send a request when it’s time.
Reverse Your Ceiling Fans
A great way to keep the heat circulating in your apartment during the winter months is to reverse your ceiling fans. Warm air rises so by reversing your fan, it pushes heat back down where you can feel it. Remember, rotate them clockwise during the winter months and counterclockwise during the summer months.
Seal Any Drafts
Cold air can sneak in through small gaps around doors and windows. Use draft stoppers, weather stripping, or temporary insulation kits to keep the chill out and your
energy bill low.
Renter-friendly draft blocking methods help, but they’re just a band-aid on major issues like gaps, broken seals, or windows not closing. If you notice a strong draft or a lot of cold coming in, then submit a maintenance request to get it fixed.
Keep a Shovel and Ice Melt Ready
Most apartment communities take care of keeping parking lots free of snow and salting sidewalks, but it’s a good idea to keep a snow shovel and ice melt handy. You never know if you’ll need to clear your front steps or shovel a path from the door to your car.
FAQ
What temperature should you leave an unoccupied house in winter?
Follow whatever guidelines your apartment community or landlord gives you as they often stipulate the temperature they want you to set. You should usually leave your apartment at 60°F to prevent pipes from freezing and HVAC issues.
How can I make my rental warmer?
There are many ways you can make your rental warmer. Here are some of the most popular methods:
- Rugs on floors
- Heavy drapes or curtains
- Tapestries or wall hangings
- Draft stoppers
- Weather stripping
- Temporary plastic window insulation kits
- Furniture against walls
- Reversing ceiling fans
Who is responsible for shoveling snow?
In larger apartment communities, the property management company is responsible for putting down ice melt and shoveling snow. In a rental owned by
a private landlord, check your lease or ask them about it
