As the temperatures start to drop, many homeowners start dreading the onset of another cold winter. While there’s no way to completely avoid feeling chilly when it’s freezing outside, there are ways you can help keep your home warmer and more comfortable during the winter months. The cost to heat homes was expected to be 35.7% higher last winter than the winter before, and this is only expected to increase this year.
Follow these 10 tips to retain more heat in your house on a budget!
1. Improve insulation
One of the best defences against winter drafts is ensuring your home is properly insulated, says James Bryant from Cut My. Add more insulation to your attic, walls, floors or crawl spaces if needed. Sealing any cracks, gaps or openings throughout the house can also prevent heat from escaping. Be sure to use caulk or weatherstripping around any drafty windows and doors, and apply Perspex secondary glazing to windows that aren’t double-glazed. Good insulation will keep the warm air inside your home during the winter. Alos take care Insulation Mistakes to avoid when insulating your metal building.
2. Adjust the thermostat
Turn down your thermostat to around 68°F during the day and lower at night when you’re sleeping. Install a programmable thermostat to make adjusting temperatures easier. The colder it is outside, the more you’ll save by slightly lowering the thermostat inside your home.
3. Use area rugs
Laying down area rugs adds an attractive layer of insulation to cold hardwood or tile floors. Try placing them in high-traffic areas or where you spend the most time. The thicker the rug, the better. Just don’t trip over the edges!
4. Let the sunshine in
On sunny winter days, open all curtains, drapes and blinds in south-facing windows to allow warm natural sunlight to flood into your home. Close them at night for an extra layer of insulation. Position chairs and sofas near windows during the day to soak up the free solar warmth.
5. Run ceiling fans
Contrary to summer cooling, use ceiling fans on low speed running clockwise during the winter. This pushes warm air near the ceiling down into the occupied areas of the room. Just make sure any fireplaces are turned off when running ceiling fans!
6. Maintain heating equipment
Dirty filters and furnishings can prevent heating systems from working at peak efficiency. Replace air filters monthly and have a technician inspect your equipment annually to keep it running cleanly and smoothly all season long.
7. Manage humidity levels
Cold winter air can’t hold as much moisture as warmer air. Use humidifiers throughout your home to keep humidity between 30-40%. Higher humidity will make your home feel warmer. Wood-burning stoves and even houseplants can help introduce welcomed moisture into dry winter air
8. Use portable heaters
Small space heaters with built-in safety features are ideal for warming up drafty spaces. Place them in offices, bathrooms or wherever you spend the most sedentary time. Remember to turn these off when leaving a room or going to sleep.
9. Seal leaks
Feel for drafts by electrical outlets, attic hatches, fireplaces and underdoors. Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal up any leaks that let cold outside air into your home. This inexpensive trick can make a huge difference in your comfort level.
10. Consider extra blankets
Rather than cranking up the heat at night, use extra blankets on beds to stay cozy and warm. Wear layers and thick slippers around the house and cuddle under afghans on the sofa. Turning down the thermostat when using blankets can actually reduce heating costs.
With proper preparation and weatherproofing, you can keep Old Man Winter from freezing you out of your house and home. Use one or more of these handy tips to retain warmth and heat this winter. Just maybe you’ll be able to lower that heating bill as well!
Also read: Eco-Friendly Elegance: How To Design A Contemporary Green Home
