Renters: Five Ways to Insulate Your Home for Winter

Long before we're homeowners, we're renters. From a tiny basement on St Botolph Street in Boston, MA to sharing an old house near State Street in Bellingham, WA, many of us have transformed a few boxes, a mattress and a bit of the IKEA catalog into our homes. Some of us prefer to rent, especially if we're going to school or if we live near skyrocketing home values. Whatever the case may be for you, it's your home. Maybe the landlord lets you paint the walls. You may move furniture around a dozen times. As it gets colder outside, you don't know what to do inside. Some people turn on the broiler (Your mom, your landlord and your local fire marshall wouldn't recommend it.). Your sweater-clad roommate keeps calling it the coldest place ever. How do you quell complaining? Better yet, how do you stay warm without cranking up the oven? College kids, city slickers and free spirits alike need to feel comfortable at home, right? You can bet your first month deposit you do. Just because you lease doesn't mean you can't insulate. Of course, just OK it with your landlord before doing anything permanent. There are a few quick, easy and inexpensive projects you can do to insulate your home for winter. Review five ways to insulate your rental home with video tutorials from Frost King?

• Stop drafts and prevent heat loss at electrical outlets and light switches. Install Frost King's Foam Outlet Sealer. Consider childproof electric outlet plug covers, as well. The Handy Guys Paul and Brian show you how to install foam outlet sealers.


• Prevent air leaks from putting an extra chill in chill time with weatherstripping. Frost King shows you how to select the right weatherstripping. Once you have what you need in hand, watch how to install weatherstripping around windows and door frames. Need to put something under the door? Consider door sweeps.


• Cover single panes and cracked glass with plastic sheeting. Adding window shades or curtains over plastic sheeting for even more protection. Frost King recommends you begin with Window Kits. Paul and Brian show you how to install window kits. Once April finally rolls around, Frost King shows you how to remove window kits.


• Decrease energy costs by turning down the thermostat when you're not at home. Not too cold, of course. You don't want to freeze those pipes. If you can, consider installing a programmable thermostat to help you keep track of actual heating needs.


• Improve efficiency by addressing air and water heating systems. Replace all HVAC or furnace filters. Insulate around your water heating tank and along pipes that go to fixtures throughout your rental. Frost King shows you how to insulate your water tank.

By making these small, inexpensive adjustments throughout your rental home, you can quickly see the benefits to your comfort level at home and to your (or their) energy bill. For more do-it-yourself tips, follow us, like us and bookmark the DIY home renters blog. If you have questions about these five ways to insulate your rental, please view our FAQs, call 1-800-299-5700 or send us a message. We're here to help you.