How to Keep Your Apartment Warm in the Winter

August 29, 2025

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Winter in West Lafayette can be downright chilly, and the constant cold can make any apartment feel less inviting. Keeping your space comfortable doesn’t have to mean running the heat all day and watching your utility bill climb. 


Small, thoughtful changes can make a noticeable difference in how warm your home feels without requiring major effort. Simple habits, smart use of natural heat, and a few maintenance updates can all help. 


Choosing a well-maintained building can make winter living more comfortable, and many apartments in West Lafayette include features like updated heating systems and insulated windows. With the right approach, you can enjoy a cozy apartment while keeping energy costs under control, even during stretches of freezing temperatures.

Easy Ways to Stay Warm Without Cranking the Heat

Boosting warmth doesn’t always mean using more heat. Sometimes it’s about keeping the heat you already have from escaping. These tips are simple, affordable, and well-suited for renters looking to make their space more comfortable during winter.

  • Hang Thermal Curtains for Insulation

    Windows are one of the most common spots for heat loss in an apartment. Thermal curtains create a thicker barrier that helps trap warm air inside while blocking cold air from entering. At night, keep them fully closed to reduce drafts, and during daylight hours, pull them open to allow sunlight to naturally warm the space. Over time, this habit can noticeably improve comfort without added heating costs.

  • Lay Down an Area Rug

    Cold floors can make a whole room feel chilly, even when the air temperature is comfortable. Adding an area rug helps insulate the floor, reducing heat loss and creating a softer surface underfoot. This is especially useful in rooms without carpeting, where tile or wood flooring tends to stay cooler. Rugs also add visual warmth, making your apartment feel more inviting in the colder months.

  • Keep the Bathroom Door Open While Showering

    Hot showers create steam that can help warm nearby rooms. After showering, leave the bathroom door open so that heat and moisture can circulate into the rest of your apartment. This method works especially well in smaller spaces where warm air travels easily. It’s a quick, no-cost trick that makes use of the heat you’re already generating.

  • Bake Something to Warm the Kitchen

    Cooking in the oven produces heat that can help warm the kitchen and surrounding areas. Once you’re done baking and the oven is turned off, leaving the door open slightly allows the remaining warmth to spread into the room. The bonus is that your apartment will smell delicious, making the space feel even more inviting. From cookies to casseroles, baking is a comfort in more ways than one during the winter.

Use Your Heating System Smarter, Not Harder

Your heating system can do more for you when it’s used thoughtfully. Making small adjustments to how you set and schedule the heat can keep your apartment warm while helping you save money over the season.

Adjust Thermostat Settings

Find a temperature that keeps you comfortable without pushing your energy bill too high. Many residents keep their thermostat between 68–70°F during the day, then lower it slightly at night when bundled under blankets. Even a two-degree drop for part of the day can add up to savings over the winter. Avoid constant, large temperature swings, as reheating the space quickly can use more energy.

Let the Sun Help During the Day

Sunlight can be one of your best allies in winter. Keep blinds or curtains open during sunny hours, especially on south-facing windows, to let in as much warmth as possible. Before nightfall, close them to help hold in the heat you’ve gained during the day. Pairing this approach with thermal curtains can make a noticeable difference in overall comfort.

The sun shines to keep the apartment warm in the winter.

Winter Fixes to Ask Your Landlord About

Some cold-weather improvements are better handled by maintenance professionals. Requesting these updates can help make your apartment warmer, more efficient, and easier to heat during the coldest months.

Adding or Replacing Weatherstripping

The rubber or foam lining around doors and windows can wear down over time, creating gaps that allow cold air inside. Fresh weatherstripping creates a tighter seal that helps hold in warmth. This upgrade is quick for a maintenance team to complete and can significantly reduce drafts in your apartment.

Recaulking Around Drafty Windows

Caulk seals small spaces around window frames, but it can crack or pull away after years of wear. Recaulking fills these gaps and restores protection against drafts. This small repair can also help your heating system maintain a more consistent temperature.

Checking for HVAC Maintenance

A well-maintained heating system runs more efficiently and provides more consistent warmth. Seasonal inspections can catch problems before they cause discomfort, and replacing filters improves airflow. These simple steps can help the system heat your apartment more evenly while using less energy.

Insulating Outlets and Switches

Exterior walls can sometimes let cold air in through outlets or light switches. Installing foam gaskets behind the covers is an inexpensive fix that blocks drafts. Alongside these ideas, our practical apartment tips offer more ways to make your home warmer and more efficient during the winter.

Stay Cozy All Winter with Weida Apartments 

At Weida Apartments, keeping residents comfortable through West Lafayette’s coldest months is a priority we take seriously. Our team offers practical suggestions and timely repairs to help residents manage the winter chill. Many of our staff members are Purdue alumni, which means we understand the unique needs of students and professionals during the colder seasons.


When you live in one of our communities, you have access to a responsive maintenance team ready to handle repairs like weatherstripping, HVAC tune-ups, and other seasonal improvements. Our properties are cared for all year, so heating systems perform well when you depend on them the most.


Life is easier when you know your home will stay warm and comfortable without extra stress. If drafts, heating concerns, or maintenance needs come up, you can contact our office to have these issues addressed quickly. Even during the snowiest weeks, your apartment can be a welcoming retreat that supports both your comfort and your budget.

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