Pittsburgh winters are no joke. With average snowfall exceeding 40 inches annually and temperatures frequently dipping into the 20s, heating costs can quickly strain a renter’s budget. This is especially true in older buildings, where single-pane windows, drafty doors, and inadequate insulation are common.
The good news is that you don’t need to be a landlord or a contractor to reduce your heating bills. Here are practical, renter-friendly strategies to stay warm without breaking the bank.
1. Seal Air Leaks (The Highest Impact, Lowest Cost Fix)
In older Pittsburgh apartments, cold air often enters through gaps around windows, doors, and even electrical outlets. Cold air infiltration is one of the most common contributors to high heating bills in the area, particularly in older construction. When cold air enters freely, your heating system runs more frequently, consuming more energy.
What you can do:
- Apply weatherstripping around doors and windows. Foam tape and V-strip weatherstripping are inexpensive and easy to install.
- Use door sweeps to block drafts at the bottom of exterior doors.
- Install window film (plastic shrink film). This creates an insulating air gap between the glass and the room, significantly reducing heat loss. Kits are available at hardware stores for $10 to $20 per package.
- Use foam gaskets behind outlet and switch covers on exterior walls to reduce air infiltration.
- Seal gaps with caulk around window frames and any visible cracks.
If your apartment has a fireplace, ensure the damper is firmly closed when not in use. An open damper is a significant source of heat loss that is easy to overlook.
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2. Use Your Thermostat Strategically
Your heating habits have a direct impact on your utility bill. Dropping your thermostat by approximately 10 degrees Fahrenheit during the hours your home is empty can reduce your heating costs by up to 10 percent per month.
What you can do:
- Lower the thermostat at night and when you are away from home. A programmable or smart thermostat makes this effortless, allowing you to set a schedule and remotely control the temperature.
- Set a target temperature of 68 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and lower it at night or when you’re out.
- If you don’t have a smart thermostat, simply manually adjusting the temperature before you leave or go to sleep can also yield significant savings.
3. Maximize Insulation (Where You Can)
While you may not be able to add insulation to your walls, there are still ways to keep heat from escaping.
What you can do:
- Hang thermal curtains or heavy drapes over windows. They provide an extra layer of insulation and keep cold air out.
- Check for cold spots. If you notice that an interior wall or ceiling feels significantly colder than others, heat may be escaping through the building envelope. This is something you can bring to your landlord’s attention. Insulation is the foundation of an efficiently heated home, and inadequate insulation allows heat to escape continuously.
- Use rugs on hardwood floors. Area rugs add insulation and make rooms feel warmer.
4. Use Ceiling Fans Effectively
Ceiling fans have a winter setting that can help distribute heat more evenly. Most fans have a switch on the motor housing that reverses the blade direction. By running the fan clockwise on a low speed, it pushes warm air that has accumulated near the ceiling back down into the living space. This costs nothing and can make a noticeable difference in how evenly your home is heated.
5. Maintain Your Heating System
While major HVAC repairs are your landlord’s responsibility, there are small maintenance tasks you can do to ensure your system runs efficiently.
What you can do:
- Replace or clean the air filter every few months. A dirty filter restricts airflow, forcing the system to work harder and consume more energy.
- Ensure vents and radiators are not blocked by furniture, curtains, or other obstructions. Clear airflow allows the heat to circulate properly.
- Close exhaust vents in kitchens and bathrooms when not in use. These vents are designed to move air outside, and leaving them open during heating season works against your furnace.
6. Get Smart with Smart Home Technology
If your landlord allows minor modifications, consider investing in smart home technology.
What you can do:
- Smart plugs can help control energy consumption for appliances and lighting, allowing you to manage them remotely or set schedules to avoid waste.
- Programmable thermostats are a low-cost, high-return investment. They allow you to automate temperature adjustments, saving energy without sacrificing comfort.
7. Lower Water Heater Temperature
Water heating accounts for a significant portion of energy bills. If you have access to your water heater, you can adjust the temperature.
What you can do:
- Check the temperature setting on your water heater. Many are factory-set higher than necessary. Reducing the setting to 120 degrees Fahrenheit is adequate for most households and lowers the energy required to maintain that temperature.
8. Understand Your Apartment’s Energy Efficiency
Knowing what you’re dealing with can help you set realistic expectations and prioritize your efforts. Older Pittsburgh apartments often lack modern energy-efficient features. Newer constructions are built with better insulation, thicker walls, and windows with low-e glass to help with heat loss. In older buildings, you will likely need to rely more on the strategies outlined above to compensate for the lack of such features.
Additionally, the City of Pittsburgh requires rental properties to meet basic safety and habitability standards under the Residential Housing Rental Permit Program, which includes inspections for functioning heat, electricity, and proper insulation. If you suspect your apartment is not meeting these standards, you can contact the Department of Permits, Licenses, and Inspections.
Summary
| Strategy | What to Do | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Seal Air Leaks | Apply weatherstripping, use window film, and caulk gaps | Prevents cold air from entering and warm air from escaping |
| Smart Thermostat | Lower temperature when away or asleep; use a programmable/smart thermostat | Reduces heating usage when it’s not needed, saving up to 10% |
| Insulation | Use thermal curtains and rugs; check for cold spots | Keeps heat in and reduces the workload on your heating system |
| Ceiling Fan | Set fan to clockwise (winter mode) on low speed | Pushes warm air down from the ceiling |
| Heating System | Replace/clean air filters regularly; keep vents clear | Improves efficiency and extends the life of your system |
| Smart Tech | Use smart plugs and programmable thermostats | Gives you more control over your energy usage |
| Water Heater | Lower the thermostat to 120 degrees Fahrenheit | Reduces the energy needed to maintain hot water |
By taking these practical steps, you can significantly lower your heating bills and stay comfortable throughout Pittsburgh’s cold winter months without waiting for your landlord to make major upgrades.
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