Winter in Canada can be harsh, and staying warm without skyrocketing utility bills can feel like a challenge for apartment dwellers. Whether you're renting a cozy studio apartment or a spacious two-bedroom apartment, these energy-saving tips can help you stay comfortable and save money during the colder months.
Let's explore how to save on heating costs with practical strategies to keep your apartment warm and energy-efficient this winter.
Looking for ways to enjoy the holiday season and winter months? We can help with our guides for Calgary, Edmonton and Regina!
Understanding Winter Energy Challenges in Apartments
Canadian winters often mean long periods of sub-zero temperatures, which can strain heating systems and lead to high energy costs.
Apartments, especially older buildings, may have drafty windows, minimal insulation, or older heating systems. These factors can make it a bit trickier to retain heat while keeping energy bills manageable.
The good news? Small, intentional changes can significantly reduce your energy consumption without sacrificing comfort!
4 Energy-Saving Tips for Apartment Renters: How to Save On Heating Costs
If you live in a rental apartment, you might wonder how to save on heating costs this winter. There are so many ways you can be energy efficient in order to keep costs down. Don't let the cold weather bring you down; embrace the season by following these tips:
1. Draft-Proof Your Apartment
Drafts are a major culprit for heat loss; you could be losing precious heat through windows and doors, causing you to hike up the thermostat. Here's how to tackle them:
- Use draft stoppers: Place these under doors leading to hallways or unheated spaces. You can also roll us old towels!
- Apply weather stripping: Weather stripping goes around windows to seal gaps. If your apartment needs your windows re-sealed, contact your building management to schedule a time for a dedicated Boardwalk maintenance team to stop by!
- Hang thermal or blackout curtains: These curtains help to trap warmth inside. During cold snaps and each night, ensure to keep your curtains pulled shut—this helps keep heat from escaping through the windows.
These simple fixes can make a noticeable difference in keeping your apartment cozy.
2. Optimize Your Heating System
Heating accounts for a large portion of winter energy bills, so using it efficiently is crucial.
- Adjust Your Thermostat: Lower the temperature at night or when you're away. A smart thermostat can automate this for you. But make sure to not turn the heat off, as you don't want to risk the freezing of pipes.
- Zone Heating: If your apartment has multiple rooms, focus on heating the ones you use most. You can do this by closing vents in unused spaces and shutting doors to your less frequently used spaces.
- Supplement with Portable Heaters: For smaller spaces, a portable heater can be more energy-efficient than cranking up the central heating. But remember, safety first! Never leave a space heater on or plugged in unattended.
3. Maximize Natural Heat
The sun is a free and powerful heat source! On warm days, take advantage and let the sun help heat your space.
- Open Curtains During the Day: Let sunlight warm your apartment naturally.
- Close Them at Night: Trap that heat inside by closing curtains or blinds once the sun sets.
- Rearrange Furniture: Keep large furniture away from heaters or vents to ensure heat circulates effectively.
4. Layer Up Your Space
Instead of turning up the thermostat on cold nights, you would be shocked at how well you can keep yourself warm with cozy, soft heat sources.
- Use Rugs: Not only do rugs add style to your space, but they also help insulate floors and keep your feet warm!
- Wear Socks: Grab some thick socks or slippers to wear around the house. Socks help trap the heat instead of letting it escape through your feet.
- Add Layers to Your Bedding: Flannel sheets, thicker comforters, and even heated blankets can make your bed extra cozy without relying heavily on your heating system. Turning the thermostat down throughout the night can be a game changer for your energy bill.
- Use Blankets: When getting ready for a movie night, cuddling up under warm blankets can be both comfortable and eliminate the need to turn up the heat.
- Cook With Your Oven: Cooking is necessary, so while using your oven to cook also uses energy, it can do double duty in helping to heat up your apartment!
For tips to maintain your apartment during the winter months, check out our guide: 9 Apartment Winter Maintenance Tips.
Energy-Efficient Apartment Living: Gadgets to Consider
Even if you're renting an apartment, there are small upgrades you can make that help reduce your energy consumption.
Smart Thermostats
A portable smart thermostat, like Sensibo, lets you control your apartment's temperature from your phone. Many Canadian provinces even offer rebates for installing energy-efficient technologies.
Check with your property management before installing, but portable smart thermostats are often renter-friendly and easy to install!
LED Lighting
Switching to LED bulbs reduces electricity consumption during longer winter nights. They're more durable and energy-efficient compared to traditional incandescent bulbs.
Smart Power Strips
Use smart power strips to reduce "phantom power" from devices left on standby. These strips automatically cut power to devices like TVs, gaming consoles, or chargers when they're not in use, which can lower your energy bills.
Energy-Efficient Showerhead
Replace your showerhead with a low-flow model (ensure it's removable to keep it renter-friendly and so you can take it with you when you move!). These showerheads use significantly less water without sacrificing pressure, reducing both water and energy usage for heating.
Faucet Aerators
Add aerators to faucets to reduce water flow and save on water heating energy. These small, inexpensive devices screw onto the faucet and mix air with the water stream, maintaining pressure while using less water.
Fridge Thermometer
Use a thermometer to ensure your refrigerator and freezer are set to optimal temperatures (38°F for the fridge, 0°F for the freezer). Keeping your fridge too cold wastes energy, while setting it too warm risks food spoilage.
Energy Monitor
Plug devices into an energy monitor to identify energy-hogging appliances and adjust usage. These monitors display real-time energy consumption and can help you pinpoint inefficiencies. For example, a toaster, gaming console, or other small appliances and tools might be sucking energy when not in use.
The Eco-Friendly Benefits of Saving Energy
Saving energy during winter isn't just about reducing your bills—it's also a step toward reducing your carbon footprint. By cutting down on unnecessary energy use, you're contributing to a greener, more sustainable future.
Small actions like using draft-proofing materials or switching to LED lights add up to make a big impact.
Read more about how to live an eco-friendly lifestyle as an apartment renter.
Stay Warm & Save Money This Winter
Apartment living during a Canadian winter doesn't have to be expensive or uncomfortable. By implementing these energy-saving tips, you can keep your apartment cozy while lowering your energy bills!
So, why not start today? Draft-proof your windows, layer up your space, and explore eco-friendly heating practices. Stay warm, save money, and enjoy the beauty of a Canadian winter without the stress of high utility costs.
New to Canada? Contact our team, and we can help you find the perfect apartment for rent near you, or explore bwalk.com. We have many updated and premium units for rent that will easily allow you to implement the top energy-efficient practices mentioned above.