With the sun setting early, and temperatures regularly hovering around freezing, winter living is not much fun for most people; except those who relish the snow. If you live in a city apartment block, you may be wondering if there are any extra steps you can take to keep the interior of your home nice and toasty. HVAC engineers should be responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the heating systems in your building, so here are some additional steps that aren’t mechanical in nature.
Insulate Windows and Doors
Even when the heating system in your building is working perfectly, it’s common to have one room that always feels colder than the others. This is likely due to a draft entering, often through the windows. An easy solution is to add some fabric over the window to try and keep any cold air out, but you could also visit a hardware store and pick up some rubber sealing. Cellular shades and insulation film are two other good options that can be installed with ease, and removed during the summer.
Add Heavier Fabrics and Textiles
If your apartment has hardwood floors, you may want to take a trip to IKEA and buy a rug for the floors. This will add extra insulation and be kinder on your feet during the winter. You should also invest in a winter duvet. With a higher tog rating, this will help to trap more warm air, keeping you feeling warmer well into the night. Curtains are another thing to consider here too. When buying your apartment, you may have been tempted by the large wide windows. However, in the winter they’re often the first place to let in the cold. Invest in some thick curtains and keep them drawn once night sets in.
Invest in a Space Heater
If you find that the heating in your apartment isn’t sufficient, consider investing in a space heater. These are popular with apartment owners as they don’t require much space, yet manage to heat one room effectively. They can even save you money if you turn down the thermostat in the rooms you’re not using. One thing to keep in mind with space heaters is that they need to be placed in a well-ventilated area, away from flammable materials in order to ensure they are safe and won’t pose a fire hazard.
Eat in Rather Than Ordering Take Out
Finally, one last tip is to make dinner in your apartment as opposed to ordering take out. You’d be surprised by how quickly an oven can heat up a room, and if you leave your kitchen door open, that warmth will spread through the rest of the apartment. Not only will it heat up your space, but you’ll save money on food too – and probably eat a lot more healthily than you would otherwise.
While your building manager should be responsible for the heating and cooling systems, the above steps are things you can do if you find you’re still too cold.