Winter in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, can bring freezing temperatures, heavy snow, and high utility bills. For UWEC students renting off-campus, staying warm, keeping costs low, and handling snow removal may be new responsibilities. Here’s a guide on how to keep your home safe, warm, clean, and affordable during the winter months.
1. Keeping Utility Costs Down
Utilities are one of the biggest expenses in winter, especially with heating. Here are some smart tips to keep costs low without sacrificing comfort.
Adjust Your Thermostat Wisely
Set the Thermostat Lower When You’re Out: Lowering the temperature even a few degrees while you’re out can make a difference. Try setting it between 60-65°F when no one is home and turn it up a few degrees only when you’re back.
Seal Drafts to Keep Warmth In
Heat loss through doors and windows can make heating bills skyrocket, so it’s worth sealing drafts as best you can.
Install Weather Stripping or Window Insulation Kits: Use weather stripping or plastic window insulation kits to keep cold air out. You can find these at Menards or Walmart in Eau Claire, and they’re affordable ways to keep warmth in.
Close Doors to Unused Rooms: Shutting doors to rooms you aren’t using helps keep the heat where you need it most. This way, you’re not spending extra money heating spaces that aren’t in use.
Use Appliances Wisely
Running appliances efficiently can help keep utility bills under control.
Run Appliances During Off-Peak Hours: Check if your utility company offers lower rates during off-peak hours. Try to do laundry or run the dishwasher at night to save a bit on electricity costs.
Unplug Electronics Not in Use: Many electronics use energy even when turned off, so unplugging chargers, gaming consoles, and other small devices can reduce “phantom” energy usage.
2. Snow Removal and Salting Sidewalks
Winter weather brings snow and ice, which means you’ll likely be responsible for keeping your property’s sidewalks and driveways clear. This is not only important for safety but also required by law in many areas.
Stay Prepared with the Right Tools
Invest in a Sturdy Shovel: A good snow shovel is a must-have for dealing with Eau Claire’s winter weather. Look for one with a comfortable handle and sturdy blade for scraping off icy layers.
Keep Sand or Salt Handy: Ice is a common hazard, so spreading salt or sand on icy patches helps prevent slips and falls. You can find both at most hardware stores, and they’re affordable solutions for maintaining safe walkways.
Shovel and Salt Regularly
It’s important to shovel and salt your walkways after each snowfall to keep paths clear and safe. This also prevents snow from compacting and turning into ice, which can be harder to remove later. Many cities, including Eau Claire, require sidewalks to be shoveled by a certain time after snowfall, so keeping up with it regularly is important.
3. Keeping It Clean and Tidy in Winter
Winter brings mud, slush, and dirt into your living space, especially if you’re tracking snow in after a long day. Keeping things clean can be a bit more challenging, but with a few simple habits, you can keep your place tidy and comfortable.
Set Up an Entryway Area
Having a dedicated space for snowy or wet gear can help reduce messes in the rest of your home:
Place a Doormat Inside and Outside the Door: This lets you wipe off wet boots and shoes before coming in.
Create a Shoe and Boot Area: Keep a small mat or tray near the door where you can leave shoes and boots to dry. This keeps melted snow from creating puddles that lead to slippery floors.
Hang a Coat Rack: If you don’t have a coat closet, a simple coat rack by the door can be a perfect spot to hang heavy winter jackets.
Vacuum and Sweep Regularly
Winter messes, like salt and mud, can quickly make a place look dirty. Here are some ways to stay on top of it:
Vacuum Twice a Week: Regular vacuuming helps remove dirt and salt that gets tracked inside, which keeps carpets and floors cleaner.
Sweep or Mop Hard Floors: For hardwood or tile, sweep up salt and dirt to prevent buildup. A quick mop with warm water once a week will help floors stay fresh.
Manage Indoor Moisture
Heating makes indoor air dry, which can be uncomfortable, so maintaining balanced humidity can help with winter comfort.
Use a Humidifier: A small humidifier adds moisture to the air, which can prevent dry skin, sore throats, and static electricity. Just be sure to follow the humidifier’s instructions to avoid over-humidifying, as too much moisture can cause condensation on windows.
Open Windows Briefly: On warmer winter days, opening windows for just a few minutes can help freshen up indoor air without making the place too cold.
4. Keeping Heating Costs Low and Staying Warm Indoors
Heating bills in Eau Claire can get high, but there are ways to stay warm while keeping costs reasonable.
Dress Warmly Indoors
One of the simplest ways to stay warm without turning up the heat is to dress in warm, comfortable layers.
Wear Cozy Clothing: Invest in comfortable layers like sweatshirts, warm socks, and slippers. Dressing warmly indoors makes it easier to keep the thermostat a few degrees lower.
Use Space Heaters Responsibly
Space heaters can warm up small areas effectively, but it’s important to use them wisely to avoid high bills and safety issues.
Use in Small Spaces Only: Space heaters work best in closed rooms, like bedrooms or a small living room. Only turn them on when you’re in the room, and make sure to turn them off when you leave.
Avoid Overnight Use: Using a space heater overnight can drive up costs and may be unsafe. Instead, layer on extra blankets at night for added warmth.
Take Advantage of Sunlight
During winter, natural sunlight can add warmth without costing a thing.
Open Curtains During the Day: Letting sunlight in through windows adds a bit of warmth to rooms and helps keep things bright. Make sure to close curtains at night to help insulate and keep warm air inside.
Close Curtains After Dark: Once the sun sets, close your curtains to trap warmth. This small step can help keep rooms warmer and reduce heating costs.
Final Tips for Managing Winter on a Budget
Preparing for winter in Eau Claire as a student doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. With a little planning, you can stay warm, safe, and within budget by using energy wisely, keeping your home organized, and tackling snow removal effectively. Here are a few final tips:
Shop Off-Season for Winter Gear: Stock up on winter items like shovels and salt at the end of the season when they’re often discounted.
Consider Thrift Stores for Winter Clothing and Supplies: Eau Claire has several second-hand stores where you can find blankets, heavy curtains, and winter clothing at lower prices.
Ask About Student Discounts: Many local stores offer discounts to students, so always check if there’s a student rate to help save a little extra.
With these strategies, you’ll be ready to handle everything winter throws at you—without breaking the bank.
