7 Practical Ways to Keep Heat in an Open-Plan Apartment

Keeping an open-plan apartment warm can be challenging due to the design that allows heat to escape quickly. You can implement targeted strategies that improve insulation, manage airflow, and utilize efficient heating solutions.

Product Comparison: Heat Retention Solutions

Product	Best for	Material	Length	Function	Ease of Use	Price
Holikme Weighted Door Draft Stopper 36inch Black	Best for Draft Blocking	Thickened fabric with cotton and weighted sandbags	36 inch	Draft stopper for doors and windows	Glides with door, adhesive fasteners	Check price
ECOHomes Window Weather Sealing Tape 2 Inch x 90 Ft Clear	Best for Window Sealing	Clear adhesive tape	90 ft	Window and air conditioner sealing	Tool-free application, hand press	Check price
YIJUHOU Open Cell Foam Tape 1.18 Inch x 11 Ft	Best for Small Gap Insulation	Open cell foam	11 ft	Window and door weather stripping	Self-adhesive, easy to cut	Check price
Ezy Dose Weekly AM/PM Pill Organizer Soft Rainbow	Best Multi-Compartment Organiz	Silicone and plastic	—	Medication organizer	Push-to-open lids, removable pods	Check price
Performore Weekly Pill Organizer 7 Day Rainbow Color	Best One-Thumb Dispensing	Polypropylene	9.69 x 4.45 inch tray	Medication organizer	Press-to-open lids	Check price

Top Products to Keep Heat in Your Open-Plan Apartment

1

Best for Draft Blocking

Holikme Weighted Door Draft Stopper 36inch Black

Best for: Blocking cold drafts under doors and windows in open-plan apartments.

• MaterialThickened fabric with cotton and weighted sandbags
• Length36 inch
• FunctionDraft stopper for doors and windows
• Ease of UseGlides with door, adhesive fasteners
• AdditionalWashable cover, hang loops

Check price on Amazon

This draft stopper uses heavy-duty thickened fabric and a dense fill of cotton and weighted sandbags to seal gaps up to 4 inches wide. It glides smoothly with the door thanks to adhesive fasteners, preventing shifting or dragging. Its washable cover and versatile use around doors, windows, fireplaces, and balcony entries make it ideal for multiple draft sources in an open-plan space.

Pros

• Seals large gaps up to 4 inches wide
• Glides smoothly without dragging
• Washable cover with hidden zipper
• Versatile for doors, windows, and fireplaces

Cons

• Adhesive fasteners may not stick well on some surfaces
• Only one length available

Skip it if: Skip if you need a solution for smaller gaps or window frame sealing.

2

Best for Window Sealing

ECOHomes Window Weather Sealing Tape 2 Inch x 90 Ft Clear

Best for: Sealing gaps around windows, doors, and air conditioners to stop drafts.

• MaterialClear adhesive tape
• Length90 ft
• FunctionWindow and air conditioner sealing
• Ease of UseTool-free application, hand press
• Width2 inch

Check price on Amazon

This weather sealing tape uses a strong adhesive that grips firmly without peeling, blocking drafts, moisture, dust, and outside noise. It applies easily by hand with no tools and removes cleanly without residue, protecting window frames. Its versatility for sliding, casement, and AC unit frames suits open-plan apartments with multiple window types.

Pros

• Strong adhesive that stays in place
• Residue-free removal protects surfaces
• Simple tool-free application
• Blocks moisture and noise effectively

Cons

• Requires trimming to size
• Not reusable after removal

Skip it if: Skip if you want a reusable or washable draft stopper instead.

3

Best for Small Gap Insulation

YIJUHOU Open Cell Foam Tape 1.18 Inch x 11 Ft

Best for: Filling small gaps around windows and doors to reduce heat loss and noise.

• MaterialOpen cell foam
• Length11 ft
• FunctionWindow and door weather stripping
• Ease of UseSelf-adhesive, easy to cut
• Width1.18 inch

Check price on Amazon

Made of flexible, high-resilience open cell foam, this tape is moisture-proof, weather-proof, and flame retardant. It uses a strong one-sided adhesive that sticks well to various surfaces without peeling. The tape is easy to cut and customize to fit odd shapes, making it practical for detailed sealing jobs in open-plan apartments.

Pros

• High resilience and flexible foam
• Strong adhesive backing
• Moisture and weather resistant
• Easy to cut and customize

Cons

• Shorter length limits large projects
• Open cell foam absorbs dust and dirt

Skip it if: Skip if you need a solution for wide gaps or washable covers.

4

Best Multi-Compartment Organiz

Ezy Dose Weekly AM/PM Pill Organizer Soft Rainbow

Best for: Organizing multiple daily doses of medication or supplements with clear separation.

• MaterialSilicone and plastic
• Length—
• FunctionMedication organizer
• Ease of UsePush-to-open lids, removable pods
• Days7-day

Check price on Amazon

This pill organizer features seven removable daily pods, each with morning, noon, and night compartments. Flexible silicone lids snap securely closed but open easily with a push, and the clear travel case keeps pods together. Rounded compartments help pills slide out smoothly, ideal for users who need multiple doses per day and portability.

Pros

• Three compartments per day for AM/PM dosing
• Secure snap-close silicone lids
• Removable pods for easy handling
• BPA-free and easy to clean

Cons

• Not related to heat retention or insulation
• Pods may be small for large pills

Skip it if: Skip if you want a product specifically for heat retention, not pill organization.

5

Best One-Thumb Dispensing

Performore Weekly Pill Organizer 7 Day Rainbow Color

Best for: Simple one-handed daily medication organization with visible compartments.

• MaterialPolypropylene
• Length9.69 x 4.45 inch tray
• FunctionMedication organizer
• Ease of UsePress-to-open lids
• Days7-day

Check price on Amazon

Each compartment opens with one thumb press for quick access, and translucent lids let you see contents at a glance. The snap-shut lids lock securely to prevent spills during transit. The tray holds multiple pills per day and fits a full week, making it easy for users who want clear, quick access to their meds at home or on the go.

Pros

• One-thumb dispensing for convenience
• Translucent lids for content check
• Snap-shut lids keep pills secure
• Holds multiple pills per compartment

Cons

• Not designed for heat retention tasks
• Tray size may be bulky for travel

Skip it if: Skip if you need a product for heat retention, not medication.

Choosing the Right Insulation Products

Open-plan apartments lose heat through many surfaces and gaps. Choosing insulation products that block drafts and slow heat loss is key. Start with draft stoppers for doors and windows, which stop cold air from sneaking in. The Holikme Weighted Door Draft Stopper is a top choice because it fits snugly, is easy to move, and works on most floor types.

Materials vary in effectiveness and ease of installation. Foam tapes and weather sealing strips stick to window and door frames to block drafts. They are simple to apply and last through seasons. For larger gaps or uneven surfaces, open-cell foam tape expands to fill spaces better than flat strips.

Consider where you need insulation most. Windows and doors are high priority. Walls and ceilings in open-plan spaces may need thicker insulation like foam panels or mineral wool if you can access them. These require more work to install and may need professional help.

1. Identify draft sources
   Check doors, windows, and vents for cold air leaks by feeling or using a candle flame.
2. Choose the right product
   Use draft stoppers for doors, foam tapes for window gaps, and thicker insulation for walls.
3. Install carefully
   Clean surfaces before applying adhesive strips or tapes for best hold.

Calculating Heat Output and Running Costs

Running costs depend on heater wattage, usage hours, and electricity price. Calculate cost by multiplying watts ÷ 1,000 by hours used and the price per kilowatt-hour (kWh). For example, a 1,500-watt heater running 8 hours at $0.17 per kWh costs 1.5 × 8 × 0.17 = $2.04 per day.

Heat output is measured in BTUs. One watt equals about 3.41 BTU per hour. To size a heater, calculate the room’s square footage times the desired temperature increase and insulation level. A rough estimate is 20 BTU per square foot for average insulation.

For open-plan apartments, choose heaters with adjustable settings and high BTU ratings to cover large spaces efficiently. Electric heaters with 1,500 watts are common and safe for standard outlets. Use ceramic models for quick bursts of heat and oil-filled radiators for steady warmth overnight.

Knowing how to calculate running costs helps avoid surprises on your electric bill. Use the formula and BTU guidelines to pick a heater that fits your space and budget. For detailed tips on heaters suited for open-plan spaces, see our guide on best heaters for UK cottages.

Safety and Certification Considerations

Look for UL, ETL, or CSA certification on heaters and draft stoppers. These marks show the product meets recognized safety standards in the US and Canada. Certification reduces the risk of electrical faults and fire hazards.

1. Check for Certification Labels
   Before buying, confirm the heater or draft stopper has UL, ETL, or CSA labels on the packaging or product. Avoid uncertified or generic brands.
2. Choose Heaters with Safety Features
   Pick models with tip-over and overheat protection. These features shut off the heater automatically if it falls or overheats.
3. Use Heaters Safely
   Plug heaters directly into wall outlets, never extension cords or power strips. Keep at least 3 feet of clearance around heaters. Do not leave them running unattended or while sleeping unless the manual explicitly allows it.
4. Inspect Draft Stoppers
   Ensure door draft stoppers are heavy enough to stay in place and made from flame-resistant materials. Check for secure construction to avoid loose parts that could pose hazards.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Insulating

A common mistake is improper sealing of windows and doors. Gaps as small as 1/8 inch let cold air in and warm air out, wasting energy.

Another error is blocking vents or heating sources with insulation materials. This reduces airflow and can create cold spots or safety risks.

1. Inspect All Edges
   Check all window and door edges for drafts by feeling for cold air or using a candle flame to see flickering.
2. Choose the Right Materials
   Use foam tape for irregular gaps and wide weather sealing tape for flat surfaces. The ECOHomes Window Weather Sealing Tape suits wide frames; open cell foam tape fits narrow or uneven gaps.
3. Apply Weather Sealing Correctly
   Clean surfaces before applying tape. Avoid stretching the tape to prevent gaps. Overlap corners neatly to maintain a continuous seal.
4. Keep Insulation Clear of Vents
   Do not cover heating vents or block airflow with draft stoppers or insulation materials.

Frequently Asked Questions