Winter is fast approaching, which is why you must actively look for ways to improve warmth across your property during colder temperatures. Check out the 11 ways you can keep your house warm this winter.
- Install a Programmable Thermostat
Reduce your energy bills whilst improving heating efficiency by investing in a programmable thermostat. Gone are the days when homeowners had to manually play with their thermostat before or after they have left their home. It is now possible to set times and temperatures in advance, so you can increase, decrease or turn off your heating at different points throughout the day – which is ideal if you are heading off on vacation for a few days or more.
- Welcome Sunlight
As soon as day breaks, open your curtains and allow natural sunlight to enter your home. It is a free source of heat that can effectively warm up your home. Even on the coldest of days, natural sunlight can still warm your home. So, welcome the sunlight in to both warm and brighten up your day.
- Close Your Curtains at Night
While you should pull back the curtains during the day, you should definitely close them on a cold winter’s night. Thick curtains will prevent heat from escaping through the windows. If you live in a cold home or rather chilly location, we recommend investing in insulated curtains during colder seasons. Also, consider hanging temporary curtains over your doors to effectively insulate your home.
- Reconsider a Wood-Burning Fireplace
You might adore the crackle of a wood-burning fire, or the roar of the flames, but they can be an inefficient source of heat within your home. Yes, they are incredibly romantic, but they will only warm up a small space within the home. Not only that, but a wood-burning fireplace will pull cold air into the home. If you can’t bear to live without your crackling logs and roaring fireplace, you should ensure the flue is closed when it is not in use.
- Close Your Doors
Stop cold air from circulating throughout the home by closing doors. It will allow you to retain the heat within your property much longer, which will prevent you from cranking up the system. Close all doors across the home at night, so each room will be nice and toasty by morning. You therefore will not be rudely awoken by cold wooden flooring or tiles under your feet.
It might also be helpful to close doors to rooms that are not in frequent use. You can then focus on heating up the rooms you commonly use, as the air will effectively circulate across less square footage. You also will save more money on your heating bill. However, don’t forget to warm up the guest room if you are inviting family or friends to stay.
- Use Your Oven for Warmth
Heat up a cold kitchen by using your oven. Bake, broil and roast your favourite dishes whilst benefiting from the heat source. There has never been a better reason to roast a chicken or cook a batch of tasty casseroles for a winter warming meal. Once you have turned off an oven, leave the door open to allow the heat to flow throughout the room. However, ensure children are kept away from the hot appliance.
- Seal Leaks
You could be allowing hot air to leak into the open air without even realising it. It is therefore important to inspect your home to spot any leaks or cracks that could be allowing warm air to escape and cold air to enter. We recommend looking for air leaks in your windows, doors, attic, basement (between the cement and wooden frame) and kitchen hood vents. Once you have discovered a leak, seal it with caulk.
If you are unsure how to spot a gap, we recommend lighting a candle and carrying it throughout your home, closing all windows and doors in a room. If the flame flickers when you hold it still, there is a good chance you have a potential leak. A tiny gap can make a big difference to a room’s heating, especially if you have more than one across the home.
- Layer Your Flooring
Did you know that uninsulated wooden flooring can result in 10% heat loss across your home? Heat up a cold home by layering your flooring with cozy rugs and carpets. The fabrics will trap the heat to create a snug environment, whilst warming your feet. What’s more, they will add texture and style to your home.
- Add Foil to Your Radiators
Do you have radiators across your property? If so, we suggest adding foil to the back of a radiator, as it can effectively reflect heat back into the room, rather than allowing it to float towards the ceiling. A table or shelf placed over the radiator can also work just as well, as they can stop heat from floating upwards, so can redirect the warm air across the room.
- A Furnace Repair
Unfortunately, without regular love and attention, it is possible for a furnace to suddenly stop working or take a dip in performance. However, the last thing you will want to experience during winter is no heating or hot water. You must therefore contact a professional to inspect and/or repair a furnace as soon as possible. We therefore recommend contacting One Hour AC (https://www.onehourac.com/furnace-repair-charlotte-nc/) for a successful furnace repair.
- Focus on Warming People
Of course, your focus should be to warm people over the house. We therefore recommend stocking up on sweaters, hoodies, robes, thick bed sheets and blankets, and plenty of hot drinks, such as coffee and tea. All these items combined with the above tips will allow you to enjoy a cosy winter, whatever the weather.
Do you have any helpful advice for warming a home for winter? Please feel free to leave a comment below to share your tips.
