Winter Heating Tips for Renters: How To Stay Warm Without Driving Up Your Bills

Just because you’re renting a home, doesn’t mean you have to shiver all winter long.

In fact, there are plenty of ways you can stay warm without driving up utility costs.

“As a renter, your focus should be on keeping the heat in and controlling the temperature settings. While homeowners do the same, their approach includes improving their home's insulation and upgrading their heating system,” explains Keith Wortsmith, president at DASH Heating & Cooling in Little Rock, AR. But what can renters do to accomplish the same?

With the right knowledge and tools, you’ll be able to comfortably enjoy the colder months in your rental while keeping your heating bills in check. 

What to know before heating your rental this winter

As a renter, you have control over your unit’s thermostat and portable devices, such as space heaters and electric blankets. However, depending on your apartment community or rental property, there may be limits on the portable devices you can use.

Also, don’t be surprised if there are temperature restrictions on your thermostat—limiting you to how much you can crank up the heat. In many cases, you’ll have to accept and agree to them when you sign your lease. 

According to Travis Arnesen, vice president of marketing at Service Experts in Dallas, there are minimum heat requirements for renters. which vary by state. “They usually require indoor temperatures of 68°F during the day and 62° to 65°F at night during the heating season,” explains Arnesen.

When it comes to keeping your HVAC system in good shape, that’s generally not your responsibility as a renter. 

“Homeowners and property managers typically control the frequency and timing of HVAC system maintenance and replacements as well as other energy efficiency updates, such as insulation and energy-efficient windows,” explains Kortney Paul, president & CEO of Ideal Partners in Fort Worth, TX.

Expert tips on how to stay warm and save money as a renter

By knowing your rights and limitations when renting a property, you can stay cozy this winter while avoiding conflict with your landlord or property management company. 

Here are some tips from the pros:

Set back your thermostat

“If possible, lower the temperature an additional seven to 10 degrees for eight hours a day, ideally when you’re at work or not home,” says Matt Plouffe, engineering consultant at Efficiency Vermont in Winooski, VT.  

You can also lower the temperature when you’re sleeping. The National Sleep Foundation has found that most people sleep better when bedroom temperatures are 65 to 68 degrees. 

Hang up curtains and shades 

Windows transfer heat, so adding curtains or shades can allow you to use less energy and still maintain comfortable temperatures in the winter. 

“Open curtains or blinds during the day and close them at night to keep warm air in,” says Plouffe. You’ll be less reliant on the heater.

Use space heaters with caution 

Space heaters are a great way to boost warmth in dedicated areas. “However, you want to be careful because they draw a lot of electricity, which can become very costly, especially if you leave them running,” says Paul. Furthermore, they're a fire and burn hazard. 

According to Wortsmith, heating a home the entire day typically costs up to $5, while using one space heater for just four hours costs around $2. Wortsmith explains that even though a space heater is not necessarily cost-effective, it can keep you comfortable as a renter.

Just make sure your space heater is at least 3 feet away from anything flammable. Also, never cover it with fabric or blankets.

Change your HVAC filters regularly 

Remember to change your filter on a routine basis as this is likely your job as a renter. This is important as restrictive airflow from a dirty filter can lead to significant issues, such as reduced efficiency and higher heating bills. The general rule of thumb is every three months.

Move air with ceiling fans

Turn on ceiling fans to help move air throughout your rental as hot air can get trapped in one room. “Using fans to help move this air can help reduce the length of time the HVAC system has to run and improve your overall comfort,” explains Paul.