To get your apartment ready for winter, set your thermostat to about 68°F when you’re home and lower it when you’re asleep or away. Seal drafts with simple fixes, and know what to do if temperatures dip below freezing. A few small habits keep your Summer Creek apartment warm, safe and affordable through the cold snaps San Antonio gets every winter.

Back in June we shared how to beat the San Antonio summer heat without breaking the bank. Now it’s time for the other side of the thermostat.

What should I set my thermostat to in winter?

Aim for 68°F while you’re home and awake. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends 68 degrees while you’re awake, with a lower setting while you sleep or are away. In general, the smaller the gap between indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your energy bill. Turning the thermostat back 7 to 10 degrees for eight hours a day, such as while you’re at work, can cut as much as 10 percent a year on heating. Learn more at Energy.gov. boston25newscitizensutilityboard

One caution: If your home uses a heat pump, follow the setback recommendations for your system and thermostat instead of automatically applying a 7 to 10 degree setback. Not sure what you have? Ask the leasing office. carrier

How can I keep my apartment warmer without turning up the heat?

Small changes add up:

• Let the sun in. Open your 2-inch blinds on sunny winter days to let natural light warm the room, then close them at sunset to hold the heat in.
• Block drafts. A draft stopper or rolled towel at the base of a patio or balcony door keeps cold air out.
• Flip your ceiling fan. Many ceiling fans have a reverse switch. Running the blades clockwise on low gently pushes warm air back down from the ceiling.
• Layer up. Area rugs over hardwood-style flooring and a throw blanket on the couch make 68°F feel warmer.
• Cozy up by the fire. Select homes include a fireplace. If yours does, check with the office about any guidelines before your first fire of the season.

How do I keep pipes from freezing in an apartment?

Hard freezes don’t happen often in San Antonio, but they do happen, and it pays to be ready. The San Antonio Water System recommends a few simple steps:

• Open the cabinets. Leave the cabinet doors under kitchen and bathroom sinks open so warmer room air can circulate around the pipes. saws
• Drip only as a backup. SAWS says letting faucets drip slowly isn’t its preferred method, but it can help keep water moving. Ice may still form, but an open faucet gives the water somewhere to go. saws
• Keep the heat on. If you’re traveling during a freeze, leave your heat running at a low setting instead of turning it off.

If you have no water during a cold snap, check whether every faucet is affected or just one, and then contact the leasing office or submit a request through the resident portal.

Are space heaters safe to use in an apartment?

They can be, if you follow the basic rules. Keep the heater at least 3 feet from anything that can burn, choose a model with a thermostat and overheat protection, and place it on a solid, flat surface. Plug it directly into the wall, never into an extension cord, and turn it off and unplug it when you leave the room or go to bed. If you have pets, a model with automatic tip-over shut-off is a smart choice. 

Stay Active When It’s Chilly

Cold weather doesn’t have to mean staying on the couch. The on-site fitness center keeps your workouts going when it’s too cold or wet for a walk. The business center is a warm place to get work done. On milder afternoons, take your pup for a stroll. Summer Creek is pet-friendly, with dog stations around the community.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the most energy-efficient thermostat setting in winter?
About 68°F when you’re home and awake, set lower while you’re asleep or away. If you have a heat pump, follow the guidance for your system.

Should I drip my faucets during a freeze in San Antonio?
Opening cabinet doors under sinks is the first step. Dripping faucets slowly can help as a backup during extended freezing weather.

Can I use a space heater in my apartment?
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, keep it 3 feet from anything flammable, plug it directly into a wall outlet, and never leave it on unattended.

Where is Summer Creek Apartments?
Summer Creek is at 11851 Bel Air Drive in San Antonio, TX 78213, close to shopping, dining and entertainment.

Stay Warm at Summer Creek

Looking for a comfortable home for the cooler months? Summer Creek offers one- and two-bedroom apartments with hardwood-style flooring and walk-in closets, with fireplaces and granite counters in select homes. Get to know the area in our neighborhood guide, and meet the community in Why Our Residents Make Summer Creek Feel Like Home. Then explore floor plans, view the gallery, or schedule a tour.