Winter always seems to sneak up on us, year after year. Because most climates experience the most dramatic change in weather during the colder months, it’s important to understand what apartment winter maintenance or preparatory tasks you’ll be responsible for at your rental property.

While some tasks fall on the shoulders of your landlord or property manager, there are certain steps you can take as a renter to ensure a safe and comfortable winter at home.

1. Check in with your landlord or property manager

Before the winter hits, touch base with your landlord if you’re unclear on what are tenant responsibilities and what are landlord responsibilities. Who’s responsible for removing snow and ice at the property, and what are the expectations?

Some states have local snow and ice removal regulations regarding public sidewalks or other public areas. Discuss acceptable de-icing measures to make sure you aren’t causing damage to any surfaces.

2. Test out the heat

While it’s your landlord’s responsibility to have heating and cooling systems serviced regularly, it’s helpful to turn on the heat a bit early for a short period of time to make sure everything is functioning properly.

It’s always better to learn about any issues ahead of time instead of discovering a winter maintenance problem in your apartment when the cold temperatures set in.

3. Avoid unwanted guests

Cooler weather and more precipitation means bugs, rodents and other pests are looking for a warm place to call home. An easy way to attract unwanted pests is by providing them with a food source, so be sure to take a few preventative steps, especially now that many of us are cooking at home more than ever before.

Store your dry, perishable food items inside air-tight containers that pests can’t chew through. Try to take trash containing food scraps out as soon as possible instead of letting it sit. Aim to wipe down countertops at least once each day to get rid of crumbs and food remnants.

4. Prevent frozen pipes

Be sure to follow all of your landlord’s instructions to avoid frozen or burst pipes due to cold weather. Most landlords or property managers will provide guidance on temperature levels and other preventative measures to avoid this issue.

If you’re leaving on vacation or will otherwise be away from your rental for a period of time this winter, give your landlord a heads up and ask if they want you to set the temperature at a certain point or leave a couple of faucets on a slow drip.

5. Stay warm and save money

Of course, you want to be comfortable in your own home, but keeping a few things in mind when it comes to turning on the heat can have a dramatic impact on your monthly bill. Experts say you can save up to 10 percent on your yearly heating expenses by turning down the thermostat just 7-10 degrees for approximately eight hours per day, like while you’re at work or while you’re sleeping.

Ceiling fans are an excellent tool to help distribute heat evenly. Many models have a switch that forces blades to spin clockwise, which will push warm air down into a room.

6. Be prepared for emergencies

If you live in an area where winter weather and storms are a frequent occurrence, it’s wise to make sure you’re prepared ahead of time for any worst-case scenarios. Sign up for weather and emergency alert systems to stay informed about any potentially threatening storms and actions should take. In general, stay indoors during major storms and avoid road travel until it is safe to do so.

7. Notify your landlord of any issues as soon as possible

Common winter issues like ice dams, frozen pipes or issues with the heating system can quickly spiral out of control. It’s important to keep tabs on your home and alert your landlord of any potential issues as soon as possible so they can be taken care of as quickly as possible.

Winter is coming

Whether you’re dreading winter or it’s your favorite season, taking the time to prepare your apartment for winter maintenance will help set you up for success as a renter. Come to a clear and established understanding of what your responsibilities are and what your landlord is responsible for, and make sure to hold up your end of the bargain.

Winter seems to already be in full force here in Chicago. It can be hard to keep your apartment warm when it’s cold outside. You may also see a rise in electric and gas bills over the winter.

Here are some tips for making sure your apartment stays warm and energy-efficient over the cold winter months.

Keep air vents clear (and only open the ones you need)

If your apartment has forced-air heating, check your vents to make sure they are not being blocked by furniture. Giving the vents some space will ensure that they’re able to heat the room as efficiently as possible.
If you aren’t using every room of your apartment, close the vents in the rooms you don’t use. It will help to keep your energy bill down.

Heat-resistant radiator reflectors

If your apartment has radiators, place heat-resistant reflectors between each radiator and the wall. These reflectors will help to heat the room instead of the wall.

Enjoy the sunshine!

The sun is a great source of natural heat. Keep your shades and curtains open on the east, south and west sides of your apartment to get some natural solar heat. Close your blinds once the sun goes down to help keep heat in your home.

Check for air leaks

Air leaks can be costly. Reducing them can reduce your monthly energy bill by 10%. The most common places where air escapes homes are: floors, walls, ceilings, ducts, fireplaces, plumbing penetrations, doors, windows, fans, vents and electrical outlets.

Close your fireplace damper

If you have a fireplace, be sure to close the damper when you’re not using it.

Use a humidifier

During the winter months, your apartment will feel warmer if the air is not too dry. Using a humidifier to help keep a relative humidity between 20 and 40 percent should allow you to feel warmer without having to turn up the thermostat.

Don’t forget the old standbys

If it’s exceptionally cold outside, sometimes a warm bath, hot cup of tea or your favorite blanket is the only thing that will do the trick. We love Chicago in the winter, but sometimes getting cozy and watching a good movie at home is the best way to spend a cold winter night.

Source : wirtzresidential.com