What To Ask Your Landlord
Certain upgrades are out of your direct control, but your landlord may be open to improving efficiency and comfort if you ask the right way.
Change Furnace Air Filters
Dirty filters reduce furnace efficiency and raise heating costs. Ask your landlord:
- How often filters are changed.
- If they can schedule a replacement before winter.
- Whether you’re allowed to replace filters yourself if they supply the correct size.
Add or Improve Insulation
Renters typically can’t install insulation themselves, but landlords are required to maintain habitable temperatures.
“An adequate amount of insulation goes a long way,” White says, “but this will depend on the owner, as it’s the owner’s expense and responsibility.” If your apartment is consistently cold and drafty, document the issue and request insulation improvements or repairs.
Insulate Water Pipes
Insulating hot water pipes slows heat loss to cooler surrounding air. That means your hot water tank doesn’t have to work as hard to maintain temperature, which can lower energy costs and improve comfort.
“We tell people to insulate these pipes well using foam sleeves wrapped with HVAC aluminum tape on top of it,” says King.
While landlords aren’t always required to do this, some will if asked. In some cases, you may be allowed to install foam sleeves on exposed pipes yourself:
- Slip pre-cut foam sleeves over accessible hot water pipes.
- Secure joints and seams with HVAC aluminum tape.
It’s a simple, low-impact upgrade that can help stabilize hot water temperatures and support overall efficiency in the building.
Even as a renter, a little winter prep goes a long way. Focus on windows, doors, and drafts first, then talk to your landlord about bigger upgrades. Your future self — and your heating bill — will thank you.
