The cold weather is here!
In fact, The Farmer’s Almanac has predicted a much colder than usual winter for Canada with above-average snowfall. While the Almanac is not an exact science, it is generally a good barometer of what is to come. Preparing your apartment rental now will ensure that you are safe and comfortable through the next cold front!
Insulate Those Windows
This is a relatively easy step that is often pushed aside due to aesthetics. Window insulation helps to keep the warm air in and the cold air out and can save you money on your heating bill.
The website HowStuffWorks.com estimates that you can save approximately $20 per window each winter – that really adds up! While having plastic covering your windows is not always the best to look at, it certainly will feel good once you receive that low heating bill in the mail.
Property managers can insulate windows in stairwells and other common areas of the building to really cut down on the overall heating costs. Putting up the insulation is easy and takes only a few minutes – all you need is the plastic (you can purchase great kits made by 3M), scissors, tape and a hairdryer. Give it a try – you’ll be glad you did.
Check for Drafts
Windows aren’t the only places that cool air can leak into your home. It’s important to check for any cracks that might be present in your doors and outlets. These cracks can cause cool air to rush in, depending on where they originate. Let your landlord know about any cracks so they can be filled and corrected before they become a larger problem for you!
Landlords will want to do a thorough inspection of all entrances to check for drafts and to observe the status of any caulking around windows and doors. If the caulking is soft to the touch, it is still in good condition and does not need to be replaced. If it is hard or flaking, it is a good idea to replace it as soon as possible.
Set Your Thermostat
If you have a thermostat that can be programmed, set it to only run when you are at home. There is no need to have heat blasting while you are not in the house, thereby wasting money. If you are one of the lucky people who have a fireplace in your apartment, do a check-up. Turn it on for a trial run and see if there are any problems with ventilation – do you see smoke or smell gas? You’ll want to alert your landlord immediately if you do.
Bundle Up
Lastly, sometimes all you need to stay warm in the winter in your apartment rental is a cozy sweater and a blanket (and perhaps a mug of hot chocolate). You’ll again save money on your heating bill if, on the days when it is not dreadfully cold, you simply bundle up instead of turning up the thermostat.
As Canadians, we can quickly become accustomed to whatever Mother Nature has to throw at us. This year, take the right steps toward getting warm and enjoy a comfortable winter season in your rental apartment.
The RentSeeker.ca Team
