How can I warm my rental property this winter without breaking the budget?

With winter fast approaching, the time has arrived to start thinking about efficient and easy ways to keep your rental property warm throughout the winter. These simple hacks are not only better for the environment, but they will make sure you don’t face a hefty electric bill a couple of months down the line.

Keep the thermostat down to keep the heat up

It may seem like you’re going against the grain but keeping the thermostat down a few degrees to the recommended 18- 20°C is a smart way to get you through the winter more efficiently. Having your heating on regularly or all the time on a low heat can not only be a better use of energy, but it’s more effective at keeping your home at a comfortable temperature. It’s also less expensive than switching it on and off for short bursts of heat.

Heat can easily escape through any cracks or gaps, so it’s important to make sure these breaches are sealed off. Door snakes are a great way to stop heat escaping and will only set you back a couple of dollars.

Hidden culprits for consuming heat

While hanging laundry on heaters and radiators can be an easy way to get clothes dried, it can affect your ability to heat your home, and is also a potential fire hazard. To get the most out of your radiators and avoid a blaze, invest in a clothes horse. You'll avoid jeopardising the heat throughout your property and when summer returns, you can easily move the clothes horse outside so your clothes can dry in the sun as well.

Wooden floors may make for great décor, but they’re not great at helping warm your rental property. Floors that aren’t isolated can lose as much as 10% of heat from a home, according to the National Energy Foundation in the UK. Picking up a new rug will help you to keep the heat in and with lots of stylish and reasonably priced options on the market, it is an easy and quick fix to keep you warm during cold winter nights.

Finally, the easiest step you can take this winter is to keep doors shut. Having heating on and doors open throughout the house is a waste of energy and money for that matter. Be sure to keep doors closed where possible and make sure the warmth doesn’t escape.

Remember, if you’re not sure what you’re able to do in your rental property, always check with your Raine & Horne Property Manager first.