If you’re one of the 44 million Americans who rent, it’s worth winterizing your apartment before cold weather sets in. Luckily, these tasks are beginner-friendly, don’t require tools and use inexpensive materials while delivering real utility savings.
With tips from Licensed Energy Auditor JaNeal White of Koala Insulation, Emergency Management Officer Caleb King of Limestone County Emergency Management Agency, and Ashley Luke, Senior Product Manager of Home Solutions at Duck® Brand, these are the top ways to winterize apartments.
Why You Should Winterize Your Apartment
Winterizing makes your apartment more comfortable and energy efficient, which is especially important if you pay your own heating bills. “According to a Duck® Brand consumer survey, 80% of people say they have noticed a decrease in their heating bills by using weatherizing solutions,” Luke says.
Methods to Winterize Your Apartment
Windows and doors are the biggest culprits of energy loss in an apartment, so focus on these areas first.
Install window insulation kits
These clear plastic sheets create an air pocket that helps stop drafts and insulate windows. All you need is scissors, a hair dryer and about 15 minutes per window. “These kits are easy to install and remove, which makes them the perfect solution for renters and beginner DIYers who are looking to cut down on energy costs during the colder months,” Luke says. For best results, she advises applying the double-sided tape to window frames that are clean, dry and free of dust.
Add weatherstripping to doors and windows
“You can lose a lot of heat around doors,” White says, “so check that each one has weatherstripping and a sweep at the bottom.” If air leaks are present, apply tape-backed weatherstripping or add a sweep. Avoid anything permanent if you’re renting.
White’s top recommendation for renters: door corner pads. “Door corner pads are small pads that you put in the top and bottom corners of the door frame. They’re less than three dollars and I highly recommend these during my energy audit visits.”
Use area rugs and draft stoppers
Area rugs will insulate the floor and make it feel warmer underfoot. Draft stoppers are placed at the base of exterior doors to cut down on drafts. These tubes of sand can easily be DIY’d or purchased.
Hang thermal curtains
Thermal curtains are an easy way to essentially add insulation to your windows and regulate indoor temperatures in all seasons. “Thermal curtains work wonders,” White says. “I use them in my own home.” In Texas, she’s seen a 17-degree temperature drop using them during summer, and they’re just as effective at keeping cold temperatures at bay.
Install foam outlet covers
For around $3 each, foam gaskets behind outlet faceplates reduce wall drafts. Just unscrew the plate, insert the foam and screw the plate back on.
Clear area around heating equipment
Keep at least a 36-in area of space around furnaces and boilers for safe, efficient operation.
Cover window air conditioning units
If you have permanent window air conditioning units, use a dedicated cover or outdoor blanket to seal them off for winter. “Covers fit over the unit like a pouch and come complete with a securing strap for an extra seal,” Luke says.
Reverse ceiling fans
Most ceiling fans have a blade reversal switch on the motor housing. Reverse the blade direction to push warm air down into the living space.
What To Ask your Landlord
While some upgrades are out of your hands, your landlord may agree to help, especially if you’re proactive.
Change furnace air filters
Dirty filters reduce furnace efficiency and raise heating costs. Ask your landlord to replace them or offer to do it yourself if they provide reimbursement.
Add or improve insulation
While renters can’t install insulation themselves, landlords are required to maintain habitable temperatures. “An adequate amount of insulation goes a long way,” White says, “but this will depend on the owner, as it’s the owner’s expense and responsibility.” Request insulation improvements if indoor conditions are especially cold.
Insulate water pipes
Insulating hot water pipes slows temperature loss to the cooler surrounding air. As a result, your hot water tank doesn’t have to work as hard to maintain a steady temperature, leading to lower utility costs. “We tell people to insulate these pipes well using foam sleeves wrapped with HVAC aluminum tape on top of it,” says King. While landlords aren’t always required to do this, some will if asked, or you could offer to install it. It’s simple to slip the foam sleeves over exposed pipes and secure with aluminum tape.
About the Experts
- JaNeal White is Operations Manager for Koala Insulation of North Texas. She is a Licensed Energy Auditor with over 13 years of experience.
- Caleb King is the Emergency Management Officer and Public Information Specialist for Limestone County Emergency Management Agency in Athens, Alabama.
- Ashley Luke is Senior Product Manager of Home Solutions at Duck® Brand, a major manufacturer of many winterizing products.
The post Your Renter-Friendly Winterization Prep List appeared first on Family Handyman.
Article source here: Your Renter-Friendly Winterization Prep List
No comments:
Post a Comment