Apartment heaters typically fall into six categories: central forced-air, boilers with radiators, electric baseboards, ductless mini-splits, radiant floor systems, or portable space heaters. The best option for your space depends on the building's age, climate, and how your utility bills are structured.
Furnaces are among the most common types of central heating systems. These typically work by heating-up a metal exchanger through which the system forces air through before delivering the air to the ductwork and the building's various rooms.
Gross smells, stains, broken appliances, and other visible damage are all reasons to pass on an apartment. Unhygienic and unsafe places shouldn't be rented out.
To determine exactly what heating system your specific apartment uses, do a quick visual check of your living space and consult your lease. Apartment heating systems generally fall into one of these four common types:
The ideal thermostat temperature in the winter is 68 degrees Fahrenheit when you're at home. Energy.gov suggests that 68 degrees is a good room temperature while you're awake at home but recommends lowering it while you're asleep or away.
During the winter months, most people feel comfortable at 68-72°F (20-22°C) indoors. Lower temperatures (around 64-66°F/18-19°C) can still be healthy if you dress accordingly, but temperatures much below that may cause discomfort, especially for children and elderly individuals who lose body heat more quickly.
If your heat pump is unexpectedly expensive to run, the most common culprits are inefficient auxiliary/backup heat, high local electricity rates, or a system that isn't sized properly.
Pellet stoves are one of the most efficient and environmentally friendly heating options available on the market today. Their numerous features make them the best choice for a small apartment: Energy Efficiency: Pellet stoves are highly efficient in terms of fuel consumption and heat emission.
Running a 1500-watt (1.5 kW) heater for 24 hours consumes 36 kWh of electricity. Nationwide, this typically costs between $𝟑.𝟔𝟎 and $𝟖.𝟔𝟒 per day, depending on your local energy rates and how often the heater's thermostat cycles the heating element on and off.
Indoor heating typically produces dry heat, which lacks moisture. As this dry air enters our sinuses, it can dry out the mucous membranes, making them more susceptible to irritation and inflammation. Inflamed sinuses are more prone to infections, leading to discomfort and even pain.
The 30% rule advises consumers spend no more than 30% of their monthly income on their mortgage or rent payments, leaving wiggle room in case of unexpected expenses, job loss, family planning, and other goals.
What Landlords Fear Most
Eventually, though, you're going to want these things for your new apartment.
The safest indoor heating methods are electric space heaters—specifically oil-filled radiators or ceramic heaters with safety certifications (UL/ETL listed)—because they lack open flames or glowing elements, reducing fire and carbon monoxide risks. For whole-home safety, permanently installed systems like electric baseboards or heat pumps are superior.
Because they do not use standard grid electricity or conventional electric and gas furnaces, the Amish heat their homes using off-grid, self-reliant methods. The most common systems include wood- or coal-burning stoves, propane and kerosene heaters, and natural airflow home designs.
It takes time for your home to warm up and cool down. If you're not sure how long it takes, try turning the heating on about 30 minutes before you need it. You should turn it off 30 minutes before you'll stop needing it.
In most homes, Heating and Cooling (HVAC) systems drive the highest energy costs, accounting for nearly 40% to 50% of your total electricity bill. Following these, the appliances that run up your bill the most include water heaters, refrigerators, and laundry machines.
If your home uses electricity for central heating, the cost is likely still cheaper than running space heaters. According to Scerbo, “Buying a space heater for every room would increase the electricity bill more than if you had just bumped up the thermostat.”
A 1500-watt heater typically heats a room up to 150 square feet (as a primary heat source) or up to 250 square feet (if used as supplementary heat alongside a central system). This capacity is ideal for small to medium-sized bedrooms, home offices, or dorms.
While everyone has a different tolerance to cold, ideal winter heat settings should generally be at or above 63 °F (17 °C). Excessive cold (anything below 62 °F or 16 °C) in your home can actually raise your blood pressure as your blood “thickens” in the chilly temperatures.
It is almost always cheaper to lower your thermostat when you are away or sleeping than to maintain a constant temperature, according to the Department of Energy.
If your heat pump is unexpectedly expensive to run, the most common culprits are inefficient auxiliary/backup heat, high local electricity rates, or a system that isn't sized properly.
The reality is that it's usually not a good idea to simply keep a heat pump operating all through the night while you're asleep. Instead, you should make sure that you have a programmable thermostat and set it to have it lower the indoor temperatures by 8° to 10°F when people are asleep.
When is it cheaper to use electricity? Off-peak hours can vary between suppliers, where you live and the time of year. For our Economy 7 tariffs and two rate meters, the cheaper night-time rate runs for 7 hours between midnight and 8am.
Your heating and cooling system is by far the biggest energy consumer in your home. Air conditioners, furnaces, and heat pump HVAC systems work hard to keep your home comfortable year-round, but they also account for almost half of your energy bill.