Winterizing Your Home: Essential Tips for Tenants to Stay Warm and Save Energy
As winter approaches, it’s time to get your home ready for colder weather! Whether you’re in a cozy apartment or a larger rental home, winterizing can keep you warm, lower energy bills, and prevent maintenance headaches for you and your landlord. Here’s a quick guide with helpful reminders on how to winterize your rental property.
1. Prepare Your Pipes
Frozen pipes are a common winter issue, and they can lead to expensive repairs if they burst. Here’s how to keep pipes safe:
Close Shut Off Valves to Exterior Faucets: If you are unsure where these are located, please be sure to ask. Please be sure all hoses are removed from exterior faucets, and water is turned off and the water is drained from the line. If there are no individual shut off valves, then they sell insulated faucet covers at your local hardware store.
Let Faucets Drip: If temperatures are expected to drop significantly, let a slow drip run from faucets, especially those on exterior walls or in basements.
Open Cabinet Doors: Open cabinets under sinks to allow warm air to circulate around pipes, particularly in kitchens and bathrooms.
2. Reverse Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans aren’t just for summer! By reversing the direction of your ceiling fans to rotate clockwise on a low setting, warm air that rises will be pushed back down, helping to keep your rooms warmer. This simple switch can make a big difference, especially in rooms with high ceilings. Not all ceiling fans have this option, but it is worth it to check!
3. Check Your Thermostat
Make sure your thermostat is set for efficiency:
Set a Schedule: Many thermostats have programmable settings, so you can lower the heat while you’re away or asleep and raise it before you get home.
Keep it Consistent: Setting your thermostat to a consistent temperature (around 68 degrees) can help save energy while keeping your space comfortable.
If you don’t have a programmable thermostat, you can still manually adjust the heat when you’re not home to reduce costs.
4. Inspect Your Furnace Filter
If your rental has a forced-air heating system, make sure you are replacing your filter approximately every 3 months. A clean filter helps your heating system run more efficiently, providing better heat at a lower cost.
5. Clear Outdoor Areas
In case of snow or ice, keep your walkways, stairs, and any other outdoor spaces clear to prevent slipping hazards.
Winterizing is Worth It!
Taking a few simple steps to winterize your rental can make a big difference in comfort, energy savings, and even safety. By following these tips, you’ll be able to keep your space cozy and well-maintained all winter long—without stressing your wallet or your landlord’s repair team! Contact PMI Capital Region with any questions about winterizing your home.
