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Many people fall in love with their charming, cheap apartments during the summer only to realize during the winter months that they are as cold and drafty as the Alaskan tundra. Drafts around windows, doors and electrical outlets can increase your heating costs tremendously, which can be a real problem if you are on a tight budget. Here are some easy, often inexpensive tips on how you can insulate your apartment during those frigid winter months -- and save money on heat costs in the process.

Window Insulation Film

The single-pane windows found in many apartments let in a tremendous amount of cold air, so window insulation film is one of the best tools for keeping cheap apartments warm during the winter. Insulation kits can be purchased at a hardware store and usually contain a plastic shrink wrap that is applied to the indoor window frame with double-stick tape (which is generally also provided in the kit). The film is then heated with a hair dryer in order to shrink fit it to the window frame. Window film kits are inexpensive and sometimes even reusable, which makes them a great source of winter insulation.

Weather Stripping

Weather stripping seals come in rubber and various foam options and can also be purchased at a hardware store. First measure the perimeter of all windows and doors that requite weather stripping - it's best to purchase a little extra to allow for trimming and errors. Next, cut long strips to fit your window dimensions and stick them to the frame in order to close up any drafty gaps. Before you finish, check to make sure that the weather stripping does not interfere with the opening and closing of any windows or doors.

Insulating Drapes or Curtains

Another great idea is to purchase thick drapes or curtains. Drapes made out of heavy fabrics can go a long way in keeping out those chilly winter drafts from cheap apartments. Many brands of drapes have a special thermal lining that can go even further in keeping your apartment warm. There are also special types of cellular shades that can help provide insulation while still letting in light through the windows.

Door Sweeps and Draft Snakes

The gap between the bottom of your door and the floor is a notorious source for drafts. In order to close this gap you can purchase a door sweep, which is a thin, weatherproof seal made out of rubber, wood, plastic or aluminum. Draft snakes, which are movable fabric tubes, can also be placed against doors and windowsills in order to prevent drafts from creeping in. A great cheap living trick is to make your own draft snakes by filling old socks or sweatshirt sleeves with dry rice or sawdust.

Outlet Insulation

An often overlooked source of drafts is your wall outlets, which can sometimes have gaps that allow chilly air to blow in from outside. Custom electrical outlet sealers can be found at most hardware stores and are fairly easy to install. It's important to remember, though, that you should always turn off your electricity from your circuit breaker before making any changes to your outlets.

With just a bit of time and money it's easy to keep your apartment well insulated, even during the coldest of winters. Remember to get started on insulating your apartment early - your electric bill, not to mention your chilly fingers and toes, will definitely thank you.

Jill Slattery writes for mycheapapartments.com, which has comprehensive apartment rental listings nationwide as well as news and resources on apartment rental and budget living.

The Green Outlet at St Lucie West K-8th