Winters in Wichita can bring bitterly cold temperatures, with average daily low temperatures of 25°F, daytime highs in the mid-40s, and an average of 12.7 inches of annual snowfall. These cold temperatures can leave you struggling to stay warm and wondering what you can do to make your apartment more comfortable while keeping heating costs low. Fortunately, there are simple steps renters can take to keep their homes warm and comfortable all winter long. Keep reading as we dive into our top winter apartment home tips for Wichita, Kansas, residents.
Use Curtains to Your Advantage
Your apartment's windows are likely one of your biggest sources of heat loss, as even the best windows let some cold air in. One way to prevent this is to invest in thick, energy-saving curtains that reduce heat loss. You'll be surprised by how much of a difference high-quality curtains can make, as this added layer of insulation can trap warm air in and keep cold air out. However, to save on heating costs, make sure that you open your curtains during the day to let sunlight in, and then close them at night to trap in the heat from the day.
6 Winter Apartment Home Tips to Keep You Comfortable
Consider Getting a Door Draft Stopper
Exterior doors are another major source of heat loss in most homes, as even well-insulated doors can allow cold air in, particularly along the crack at the bottom of the door. Fortunately, you can keep cold air out by investing in a draft stopper. A draft stopper is an insulated tube that you can place at the bottom of your door inside your home to block drafts. This is a simple, yet effective, solution that can help keep you warm on cold winter nights and improve your home's energy efficiency.
Use Your Furnace Wisely
When temperatures drop in winter, heating costs can rise quickly, leaving you wondering how to keep your home comfortable without breaking the bank. The important thing is to find the lowest temperature you can set your heater to and still be comfortable. For maximum energy efficiency, it is generally recommended that you set your thermostat around 68°F when you're awake and at home, and lower it to 62°F at night or when you're out of the house. By setting your thermostat just 7 degrees lower when you're at work, you can save as much as 10% a year on heating costs. Just make sure that you never set your thermostat lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter to prevent your pipes from freezing.
Prevent Frozen Pipes
When temperatures drop below freezing this winter, it's essential that you take steps to protect your plumbing, as frozen pipes can burst and cause water damage throughout your home. Fortunately, a simple step that you can take to prevent a catastrophe is to let the faucets in your home drip slightly (approximately one drop every five seconds) during these severe cold snaps. Letting your faucets drip keeps water moving, making it harder for water to freeze. You can also help protect your pipes from freezing by opening the cabinet doors under your sinks at night, as this allows warm air to circulate around your plumbing.
Make Sure Heating Vents Aren't Blocked
To improve the energy efficiency of your heating system, ensure your furnace's vents aren't blocked. The fact is that blocked vents significantly reduce airflow, which can cause your furnace to have to work harder to heat your home, leading to increased heating costs. To ensure your vents do their job properly, keep curtains, beds, couches, and other furniture at least 2-3 inches away from vents and baseboard heaters.
Adjust Ceiling Fans
While it may seem counterintuitive to run your ceiling fans in the winter, doing so can help circulate warm air throughout your home. However, for this trick to work, you must reverse the direction of your ceiling fans, ensuring that the blades rotate counterclockwise. Reversing the direction the blades spin in winter creates an updraft that pushes warm air trapped near the ceiling down towards the ground, helping your home heat more evenly.
Enjoy a Cozy Winter in Wichita at the Mount Carmel Village Apartments
While winters in Wichita can be chilly, taking the proper preventative measures can ensure your apartment stays comfortable as temperatures drop outside. If you're thinking of moving to Wichita this winter and aren't sure where you should live, consider checking out the Mount Carmel Village Apartments. Our community in the Sunflower neighborhood is located in tranquil, wooded surroundings, while conveniently located just 4 miles away from downtown Wichita. Feel free to contact us today to learn more about our cozy 1 and 2-bedroom apartments and the benefits of moving to Wichita.