How to Make Your Apartment Energy-Efficient This Winter

Heating is one of the biggest parts of a winter utility bill. A few small habits can bring it down without making your apartment any less comfortable. None of them require tools, a big budget, or changes to the unit.

Set Your Thermostat With a Plan

Lower the temperature when you are asleep or away. Even a few degrees for several hours a day can reduce heating costs over a season. A programmable or smart thermostat makes this automatic. If yours is manual, pick a simple routine, such as turning it down before you leave for work and before bed.

Use Curtains as Insulation

Windows lose more heat than walls. Heavier curtains help hold warmth in at night. Open them on sunny days so the sun warms the room for free, then close them once the sun goes down.

Find and Reduce Drafts

Hold your hand near window frames and exterior doors on a windy day. If you feel moving air, you have a draft. Temporary fixes help, including a door draft stopper or removable window insulation film. If the gap looks like a bigger issue, such as worn weather stripping, let your onsite team know so it can be looked at.

Keep Vents and Radiators Clear

Furniture, rugs, and curtains in front of vents or radiators block heat from reaching the room. Leave a few inches of space around them. Dusting vents once a month also helps air move more freely.

Run Your Ceiling Fan in Reverse

Many ceiling fans have a switch that reverses the blades. Running the fan clockwise on low pushes warm air down from the ceiling and helps the room feel warmer at the same thermostat setting.

Cut Down on Hidden Electricity Use

Electronics that stay plugged in keep drawing power even when they are off. A power strip makes it easy to shut off a TV, game console, and streaming box all at once. Switching to LED bulbs, if you have not already, lowers lighting costs too.

Be Smart in the Kitchen and Laundry Room

Run the dishwasher and washing machine with full loads. Wash clothes in cold water when you can. Let dishes air dry instead of using the heated dry cycle. Cooking at home also adds a little warmth to the space.

Be Careful With Space Heaters

If your community allows them, plug a space heater directly into a wall outlet, never into a power strip or extension cord. Keep it away from curtains and bedding, and turn it off when you leave or go to sleep. Check your lease or ask your onsite team before you buy one.

Report Heating Problems Early

If a room never gets warm, a radiator makes unusual noises, or your heat cycles on and off, tell your onsite team right away. Heating systems work hardest in winter, and small issues are easier to fix before the coldest weeks arrive.

Winter Energy FAQs

What temperature should I set my thermostat to in winter?

Many people find 68 degrees comfortable while at home. Lower it when you are asleep or away, and adjust to what works for you.

Is it cheaper to leave the heat on all day or turn it down?

Turning it down while you are away or asleep generally saves energy.

Can I put plastic insulation film on my windows?

Removable window film kits are common, but check with your onsite team first so you use a product that will not damage the frames or paint.

Who do I contact if my heat is not working?

Contact your onsite team right away. If you have no heat in freezing weather, use your community’s emergency maintenance line.

A few easy changes can make your apartment warmer and your winter bills lighter. If you have a question about heating or energy use at your ORLO community, reach out to your onsite team or check your resident portal.