The residents of the Apartments at Spence Crossing love maintenance-free living, but there are some cold weather best practices that will make your home more comfortable and even help reduce energy usage. Whether you're new to Hampton Roads winter weather or you’re a seasoned local, there are plenty of little things you can do to keep the cold at bay. Turn your Virginia Beach apartment into a snug sanctuary in the colder months by following just a few simple tips!

Insulate Doors and Windows

Just because you’re renting an apartment doesn’t mean that there aren’t steps you can take to reduce your electric bill and keep your space cozy in the winter.

One way to make your house more energy efficient and protect against heat loss is by purchasing window insulation film—a transparent plastic film that reduces drafts and prevents heat loss through the glass. You can buy kits for around $15. Installation is simple and virtually invisible. They are easily removable and won’t leave residue or damage surfaces.

Door gaps can be another frustrating source of heat loss in winter months. Draft stoppers are a great way to prevent your heaters from working overtime, as cold winter air gets into your apartment. Also known as door snakes, draft stoppers are fabric-filled tubes with insulating material inside. These slide right up against the bottom edge of a doorframe, blocking drafts and preventing cold air from entering. You can buy draft stoppers for under $10, can store them in warmer months, and can bring them with you if you ever move.

Curtains or Insulated Drapes

When most people think about curtains or drapes, they imagine blocking light or adding a pop of color to a room. But they actually perform another important function—reducing heat loss in winter months. Curtains add an extra layer of insulation, and can help block drafts from small gaps in the window. This can also help reduce your heat bill, and keep your apartment feeling snug and toastie at all times!

Insulated curtains can also help prevent condensation from forming in the windows, due to temperature differences in indoor and outdoor air. Persistent condensation can be a source of mold or mildew growth, though some amount is normal. In our humid climate, condensation is definitely something to keep an eye on!

Secure Indoor Plants

If you’re cold outside, you can bet your plants are, too! Different plants have different temperature tolerances. Know the specific needs of each type of plant you have, including their hardiness zone and any specific care requirements during winter. If your plants are not cold-hardy, consider bringing them indoors before the first frost. Place them in a location with sufficient light, such as near a south-facing window if possible, and away from drafts. You may want to cover especially vulnerable outdoor plants with frost blankets on particularly cold nights to protect them from frost damage.

You’ll also want to make sure to adjust your watering schedule as needed based on the needs of your plants. Some outdoor plants might require less water, while indoor plants may need more. Do your research! Your plants will make it through the cold winter months happier and healthier.

Upgrade Your Winter Gear

Sometimes it’s the little things in your home that can make all the difference. Treat yourself—you deserve it! Whether it’s a new cozy blanket, warm bedding, or some thick pajamas, the easiest and most surefire way to keep yourself warm in the winter is to insulate yourself first and foremost. Keeping your body warm might even let you run your heating a little less, saving you money in the process.

Studies show people sleep better when they are a little cold, but not freezing. There’s nothing better than wrapping yourself under a few layers of blankets or a big, thick duvet cover. You’ll wake up feeling comfortable and rejuvenated.

Prepare an Emergency Kit

Sometimes winter weather brings dreaded winter storms. While power outages in the Hampton Roads area are rare, they do happen, especially as ice forms around trees and power lines. Make sure that you have enough flashlights, candles, blankets, and non-perishable food to last a few days in the case of an emergency. If you have family or friends in the area, make a game plan of where you might go in the event of a major outage.

Planning for the worst is never fun, but it could save you a lot of headaches down the road. And you’ll sleep better, with the peace of mind that you and your family are prepared for whatever bad weather throws your way.

Keep Emergency Contacts Handy

If you have any issues with your apartment, make sure to alert our maintenance team ASAP. In the event of a winter weather emergency such as power outages, heating system failures, or other unforeseen incidents, having emergency contacts readily available ensures quick access to assistance. 

Winter weather can sometimes lead to maintenance issues, such as leaks, drafts, or appliance malfunctions. Reporting and addressing these issues promptly helps everyone, minimizing potential damage to your apartment and keeping you safe and secure in the process.

Store our emergency maintenance number on your phone or in an easy-to-access area, like your fridge. Heating emergencies are no joke—the team at Spence Crossing is here for you if you need us!

If you are ready to become part of the Spence Crossing community, contact our offices to book a tour of your next apartment!