Practical Advice for Heating Your Rental on a Budget

When you are young, save money. If you have a job where you have sufficient income to save money, do so. When the time is right, invest in property. Become a landlord. Being a landlord humbles you; it reminds you of how you once had it, or maybe your parents had it whilst you grew up.

Previously my wife and I resided in our owned house for 16 years, but now we currently rent it out so we can live on Kangaroo Island.

Renting can be challenging, but it offers valuable lessons in finding cost-effective solutions for maintaining the property.

We’ve learned to rely on our own ideas to ensure the house remains warm and dry in winter.

Due to my broken ankle preventing me from working, our budget is tight, I’m exploring inexpensive alternative ways to heat our home as the temperatures drop to 8 degrees Celsius inside!

Here are ten cheap ways to heat a rental property with little to no money:

1. Maximize sunlight: Open curtains and blinds during the day to let sunlight in. Sunlight can provide natural warmth to your space.
2. Use draft stoppers: Place draft stoppers or door sweeps at the bottom of doors and windows to prevent cold air from entering and warm air from escaping.
3. Insulate windows: Use plastic film or thermal curtains to insulate windows and reduce heat loss. You can also use bubble wrap as a temporary insulating solution.
4. Utilize space heaters: If you have access to electricity, consider using energy-efficient space heaters to heat specific rooms you frequently use. Remember to follow safety precautions and never leave them unattended.
5. Seal air leaks: Identify and seal any air leaks around windows, doors, and other areas using weatherstripping, caulk, or even tape to prevent cold air infiltration.
6. Close off unused rooms: Close doors and vents to unused rooms to concentrate the heat in the areas you occupy most often.
7. Utilize blankets and rugs: Layering blankets on sofas and beds and using rugs on the floor can provide insulation and help retain heat in living areas.
8. Make use of hot water bottles: Fill hot water bottles with warm water and place them near you to provide localized heat. They can be particularly useful when you’re sleeping or sitting in one spot.
9. Wear warm clothing and use blankets: Layer your clothing and wear warm socks, sweaters, and hats indoors. Wrap yourself in blankets to keep warm when sitting or sleeping.
10. Negotiate with the landlord: Discuss your heating concerns with your landlord and see if they can provide any assistance or offer affordable solutions such as upgrading insulation or providing additional heating sources.
11. Create a flame pattern, upload to Redbubble.com and sell the heat on merchandise to either show how HOT your body is in summer are or to give the illusion of being HOT in winter!

Although these techniques can offer some warmth, they may not be as efficient as a dedicated heating system. Whilst that can be expensive, family health, safety and comfort should be top priorities.

Oh gosh, I am feeling cold just sitting here typing!