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How Do You Make an Apartment Warmer? 6 Electrical Solutions to Increase Heat

If you own or manage an apartment building in New York City, you’re bound to encounter a few cold snaps every winter that prompt tenants to say, “My apartment is too cold!” There are multiple ways to make an apartment warmer, which you can use to reduce your headaches and keep occupants happier, even after you’ve tried the conventional methods like adding insulation and sealing doors and windows.

If your tenants are complaining they’re shivering, one of these six electrical solutions should do the trick.

Connect the Thermostat to a Thermostatic Radiator Valve

A modern approach to steam heat

Many New York City properties still use steam radiator heating, which has been around for generations and is remarkably efficient. However, there are ways to tweak a radiator system to make it even more effective when it comes to keeping tenants warm.

One of the best investments you can make as a property owner is to install programmable thermostats and thermostatic radiator valves. This allows residents to control their own heat better, and it can save you money if you’re paying the fuel bills.

Programmable thermostats (AKA smart thermostats) let users decide in advance when to automatically raise and lower their heat, such as when they arise in the morning and go to bed at night, or when they leave home for work.

These thermostats used to be worthless for apartment dwellers because one boiler room would determine everyone’s heat (one person might be turning up the heat, while another might be turning it down). But now you can wirelessly connect a programmable thermostat to a valve on each radiator. The thermostat lets tenants fine-tune their heat regardless of what their neighbors are doing.

Install Ceiling Fans

A bargain for 12-month climate control

Using ceiling fans sounds counterintuitive for making an apartment warmer, but they are a terrific year-round way to control an interior climate. The same fan that provides cooling in summer can make apartments toastier in winter.

Simply reverse the direction of the blades so they move in a clockwise direction (on the lowest speed). The fan will push warm air that has risen to the ceiling back down into the room to make people more comfortable.

Add Radiant Floor Heating

A luxe option that tenants will appreciate

There’s nothing that feels more luxurious and cozy during a New York winter than having heated floors. Radiant heat mats are added beneath the flooring material to gently warm the surface, and because hot air rises, the entire room benefits from the warmth.

Radiant flooring is ideal for attracting high-end tenants, and it’s the perfect upgrade if you’re changing flooring materials during a renovation. People with small children and pets particularly like this type of heating, but you’d be amazed at how wonderful it feels to anyone who performs stretching or yoga on the floor or even those who sit at a desk all day working from home.

Use a Home Hub to Control Window Treatments

Making the most of the sun and avoiding heat loss

Apartment residents can utilize the warmth of the sun and the insulation of window treatments to help control the temperature inside their units, but timing is everything. You don’t want shades drawn when the daytime sun is at its strongest, nor do you want to leave windows uncovered once the sun has gone down.

The easiest way to make sure you’re using window treatments properly and not losing heat is to automate them. Then, integrate them into a home hub with programmable settings. Or, use a system that is controlled remotely via smartphone, even if the tenant is away.

Try Heated Towel Bars

An old-fashioned extra that’s cost-effective

Like heated floors, heated towel bars are another mark of luxury that can let you charge premium rents and appeal to the most desirable tenants. While today’s heated towel rails don’t give off as much warmth as a radiator, they do warm a small bath slightly while being very energy efficient.

And of course, drying with a toasty towel after a shower or bath makes any resident feel fantastic. For the most cost-effective electric models, look for those that use a timer.

Supplement with Electric Heaters

Built-in heaters for every situation

It can be tempting to tell tenants to purchase their own portable electric heaters if they want extra warmth in their units. But this can backfire if you overload electrical circuits or if tenants don’t take the necessary safety precautions with these appliances. A better solution for chronically cold rooms is to supplement steam radiator heat with built-in electric heaters.

Modern electric wall heaters have all the safety features you could want these days, like automatic shut-off and cool-to-touch casing. There are many models to choose from, so here are some considerations to help you narrow your choice:

• While we tend to call all these heaters “wall heaters,” they come ready for use in other places too, such as baseboards and toe-kick areas near the floor. Which one is best for your space?
• Do you want a heater with a fan to move warm air, or is radiant heat (which is quieter) sufficient?
• What is the capacity of the heater? With a range of 750 to 4,000 watts to pick from, you want a heater that has the right output for the size of the room.
• What will it cost to run the heater at maximum output for 24 hours during a cold spell (essential to know if you have not yet submetered your electrical supply)?
• Are wall-mounted controls preferred, or would you like a remote-controlled model?
• Aesthetically, what style looks best with the architecture and decor of the apartment where it will be used? Do you want one that blends into the wall or a heater that resembles a fireplace?

Built-in electric heaters don’t plug into outlets; instead, they are hardwired into your electrical system. Therefore, they should be installed by a professional. Depending on where you intend to use the heater, you may also need the help of a contractor to prepare the area for mounting.

If installing electric heaters piques your interest, or if any of the other solutions above is the right one for you, call Bolt Electric. We can help you select your materials and ensure the job is done quickly, safely, and to building code standards. Call us at 212-434-0098, or use our online form today to set up a consultation meeting at your convenience.