More than one third of U.S. households are occupied by renters. In urban areas, it is decidedly the norm to rent an apartment as opposed to owning a home. For many individuals and families, renting is a way of life that allows for ease of living without maintenance expenses and property taxes.
However, long-term renters are certainly limited in how they can customize their home to fit their needs. Many lease agreements contain clauses forbidding major alterations to the space and can even prevent simple additions such as shelves and light fixtures. For those who are renters for the long-haul, there will likely be times you wish to adjust your space to be better insulated from a hot summer or a frigid winter. Thankfully, there are several methods and tricks you can implement without violating your lease. Here are a few tips from the insulation gurus at Climate Seal.
Optimize Airflow
One of the simplest but often most effective solutions to temperature issues in an apartment is airflow adjustment. If you have A/C or heat vents, they often come with adjustable levers on the edges. A simple change in orientation (or closure) of the air vent can help better distribute treated air in a way that meets your preferences.
In addition to existing vents, using fans can be an enormous help. Ceiling fans are not just for the summer: a ceiling fan on a low setting in the winter can help better spread heated air throughout your space. If you have box or tower fans, positioning these in central passageways in your space can help create a more consistent temperature landscape in your apartment and eliminate hot or cold “zones.” In a pinch, even the vent hood on your stove can be used to suck in hot air from your kitchen and lower the temperature in the room.
Check Your Insulation
As a renter, this solution will certainly need to be cleared with your landlord. However, if you have entered into a long-term arrangement, or have been a tenant for years, insulation concerns are reasonable. Ask your property supervisor if he or she can do a quick check on the insulation situation in your space, or kindly ask how long it has been since the insulation has been updated. Your landlord is required to maintain a living space that complies with a host of building codes, so the simple reminder might be enough to spark an upgrade of your insulation.
Curtains and Rugs
If you have never addressed the curtains and shades that your apartment came (or didn’t come) with already installed, now is the time. Some apartments are equipped only with low-quality metal blade-style shades that only slightly block light, and do even less for temperature mitigation. Investing in thicker fabric curtains is a great way to both mitigate UV rays in the summer months that can raise the temperature of your space, and to provide an added layer of insulation from cold drafts. Curtains also afford you the ability to enhance the design of your space by choosing colors and patterns that best suit your aesthetic.
Rugs are a great addition not only for acoustical purposes, but also for warming spaces. Especially in the winter, walking on cold hardwood floors can be chilling. A throw rug in your living space can brighten your environment.
Climate Seal: A Complete Solution
For a comprehensive climate solution that won’t break the bank or your lease, consider Climate Seal thermal window inserts. These easily installable inserts can upgrade the condition and insulation of your existing windows without the headache of buying and installing new windows, or dealing with messy window treatments. Our custom-manufactured inserts fit within or over the window cavity and are virtually invisible once installed.
Available in a vast array of sizes, colors, and window shapes, Climate Seal inserts are customizable to the precise measurements of your windows. Designed to be effective without being overbearing, these thermal inserts work to boost the R-value of the window by over 100 percent in the case of single-pane, drastically improving the insulation of your home.
As a long-term renter, you might be concerned about the potential time investment of windows. Fortunately, Climate Seal inserts are virtually one-and-done. The best aspect of Climate Seal inserts is their durability and longevity; while some add-on window treatments last a single season, Climate Seal inserts are guaranteed to keep clear and refrain from yellowing for at least 10 years. They will also keep your interior safe with an impact test rating 17x higher than standard glass.
Upgrade Your Living Environment with Climate Seal
Climate Seal strives to provide a unique and universal solution to common climate issues that occur within all types of homes. We love to help our clients create a safer and more comfortable living space for their families and roommates. Our specialized and customized window inserts combat high gas and electric prices, cold drafts, disturbance from outside noise, and UV ray damage. At Climate Seal, we build our window inserts to last with quality that speaks for itself. Our 30-year reputation for craftsmanship and a superior product keeps us dedicated to bringing our customers a product that is versatile and effective. Find out more about Climate Seal thermal window inserts and place an order today.
For more insights on how to enhance your living space, check out our blog.
