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If you’re a renter, upgrading your heating system or making any major energy-saving repair is probably not an option. Instead, use these 11 heating energy savings tips for renters in order to keep your costs reasonable until spring.

1. Ask your landlord if you can install a programmable thermostat.

Energy.Gov says that renters can save 10% on their heating costs by utilizing a programmable thermostat. These thermostats allow you to automatically adjust the temperature when you’re not at home. For example, if you normally set your temperature at 70 degrees, you can set up your heating system to adjust to 63 degrees during the hours you’re at work. That way you’re not paying for heating that you aren’t using. You can pick up a programmable thermostat for as little as $20, so it’s not a large out-of-pocket expense.

2. Never completely turn off your heating.

Even if the weather becomes unseasonably warm, don’t turn off your heating completely during the winter months. Simply turn it down to a lower temperature, like 60 degrees. That way, when you inevitably have to use the heat again, you won’t make the system work harder by starting at zero.

3. Practice zone heating.

If you live in a large apartment or rental home, setting your thermostat normally means that every single room is heated to that temperature. If you don’t want to pay for the rooms you aren’t using, then practice zone heating. Keep your overall thermostat at a lower temperature, and then use a separate heating appliance for the room you spend the most time in. If you use a space heater, make sure to follow all safety instructions. Don’t leave one on all night unattended.

4. Wear extra layers to stay warm.

Even wearing just one extra light-weight layer can trap more of your body heat, stabilizing your core temperature. If you’re wearing thick wool socks and sweaters, you’ll stay warm even if the ambient temperature in your apartment is lower.

5. Install foam outlet gaskets.

The electrical outlets in your rental can be major sources of cold air in winter. They connect to un-insulated areas of the home. One way you can prevent as much cold air entering through them is by installing foam outlet gaskets. You simply unscrew your outlet cover, insert the foam piece behind the cover, and reattach the cover.

6. Install weather stripping hardware.

Weather stripping is the act of sealing air leaks around a home, like in door or window frames. Proper weather stripping can save you more than 20% on your energy bill. Energy.Gov has a great guide put together on how to choose the right weather stripping hardware for your apartment. Supplies can be bought at any major home hardware store.

7. Use window shrink wrap.

Whether you choose to DIY this, or buy a kit from the store, shrink wrapping your windows is an easy, low-cost method of insulation. Many rentals don’t invest money in top-quality window panes. This is an easy way to beef up single-pane window performance during winter. The basic method involves applying double-sided tape around the corners of your window, attaching the shrink-wrap to the tape, and then using a blow-dryer to remove any gaps in the shrink wrap.

8. Buy a draft stopper.

You can buy a draft stopper off of Amazon for less than $20. You place the stopper in front of any outside-entry door to block cold air from entering. This is especially helpful if the rental is old and the door no longer sits flush in the jam.

9. Cook at home using your oven and stovetop.

If you avoid cooking at home during the summer so your apartment stays cool, practice the opposite technique this winter. Not only will you save money by not eating out, the heat given off by your oven or stovetop will help heat your home without turning up the thermostat.

10. If you have a wall A/C unit, make sure there’s no leaks.

Many apartments like to install wall A/C units in their buildings. If they decide to leave them up all year-round, you want to make sure there are no air leaks around the unit. One easy DIY trick is to duct tape any leaky gaps letting in cold air.

11. Keep your curtains open during the day-time.

Lastly, don’t forget to take advantage of what little warmth winter naturally provides! The sun is still giving off warmth – even if it doesn’t feel like it. Leave your curtains and/or blinds open during daylight hours. The sun will naturally warm your apartment.

To Recap:

Saving money as a renter is all about being resourceful. Whether you choose to DIY or purchase solutions, the bottom goal is to insulate the apartment and stay comfortable. Did we miss any heating energy saving tips? Let us know how you stay warm in the comments below.

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