A Renter’s Guide to Winter Maintenance: How to Stay Warm & Save Money

Winter weather can be unpredictable, but staying warm doesn’t have to be. If you’ve ever wondered why some rooms stay chilly or what you should actually do when the temperature drops below freezing, you aren’t alone.

The truth is, winter maintenance is simpler than most people think. By being a little proactive, you can keep your home cozy, protect your plumbing, and even save money on your utility bills. Here are the essentials for mastering the cold.

Looking for more renter resources? Check out our Resident Resources page.

1. Protect Your Pipes (And Prevent Water Damage)

When temperatures drop bellow freezing, your plumbing needs a little help to prevent pipes from bursting, especially in kitchens and bathrooms. To help prevent frozen pipes:

• Let your faucet drip: Turn on your faucet to a very slow, small drip. This keeps water moving so it won’t freeze. Double-check that your drain is clear first to avoid any overflows!
• Open your cabinets: Leave your bathroom and kitchen cabinet doors open. This allows the warm air in your apartment to circulate around the pipes.
• Keep your thermostat consistent: Avoid shutting your heat off completely when you leave town. Maintaining a steady indoor temperature helps protect your pipes.

If you notice no water flow, frost buildup, or unusual pipe noises, submit a maintenance request right away through the Resident Portal.

2. Smart Space Heating

Space heaters are great for extra warmth when it’s extremely cold, but they require a “safety first” mindset to avoid fire hazards. Here are some space heater safety rules to keep in mind:

• The 3-foot rule: Always keep heaters at least 3 feet away from flammable items like curtains, bedding, furniture, or clothes.
• Plug directly into the wall: Never use an extension cord or power strip with a heater. They draw a lot of power and should always be plugged directly into a wall outlet.
• Turn it off: Never leave a space heater running while you’re sleeping or when you are not in the room.
• Use a stable surface: Keep it on the floor, not on a chair, bed, or desk.

3. Change Your Air Filter Every 30 Days

Changing your air filter every 30 days is the single easiest thing you can do to help your HVAC system run efficiently. A clean filter can improve airflow, help your apartment heat more evenly, and reduce strain on your system & your energy bill. Also, a typical lease contains an agreement to replace these often.

• Check the size: Look at the side of your current filter (e.g., 14x20x1) and buy that exact size.
• Keep it simple: There’s no need to splurge on fancy filters since you’ll be replacing them monthly. Inexpensive, non-pleated filters work perfectly.
• Follow the arrow: When installing, make sure the arrow on the frame of the filter points toward the unit, not toward the room.

Pro tip: Set a recurring reminder on your phone so you don’t forget. This single habit can save you money all winter.

4. Know Your Heating System’s Limits

When it’s extremely cold, your heating system can only do so much. If your apartment isn’t reaching a high temperature, your heat pump is likely working at maximum capacity.

• Don’t Crank the thermostat: Turning the heat up higher won’t make it warm up faster; it just puts extra strain on the system and increases your electric bill.
• Avoid Emergency Heat unless necessary: Only use the “Emergency Heat” setting if your regular heat has actually failed. It uses significantly more electricity and will spike your bill.
• Insulate naturally: Use draft stoppers under doors, keep your curtains closed to trap heat, and lay down rugs to keep the floors warm.
• Double-check your utilities: Some downtown homes rely on propane or oil to heat the home. If that applies to your unit, make sure you are monitoring your levels so you do not run out during the cold weather. Find more about local propane or oil options here.

We’re Here to Help

Staying warm this winter is all about simple upkeep and smart habits. By following these quick tips, you’ll ensure a safer, more comfortable home all season long.

If you’ve watched our winter maintenance video and still have questions, or need to report an issue, reach out to our office or submit a maintenance request through Rent Manager. We’re always happy to help!

If you have maintenance questions about something not discussed in this guide, you can find helpful resources here: