Usually, the drop in temperature means an increase in heating bills. You must keep yourself warm, which sometimes means leaving the heating system on throughout. However, there are other ways to make the home cozy and warm. If you want to hibernate until spring, you need a conducive environment. Here are a few ways to keep your home warm and snug during winter days.
- Get Heavy Curtains
Those light-colored, thin curtains you use during summer are not going to cut it when it gets cold outside. Heavy curtains will be another layer of insulation to keep the cold out. It also reduces condensation around the house. Keeping the warm air in is what you need to do, and curtains are perfect for that. Ensure you close the doors and windows properly before shutting the curtains. Blinds and curtains look good; they will make your living room feel different. If you don’t have heavier drapes, consider buying before your house gets uncomfortably cold. If the sun comes out, open the curtains and shut them in the evening.
- Service Your Heating System
Service your heating system before winter to ensure everything is working properly. You may need your furnace checked to ensure the system doesn’t break down in the middle of winter. Get a technician to inspect the unit and repair what needs to be repaired or even install more durable parts. If you live in a place where it gets cold often you should have a routine check almost every couple of months to see if everything is working correctly. For instance, a furnace repair in Ottawa, Canada is really common because of how cold it gets throughout the winter season. You have to get protective maintenance out of the way before the cold starts. Repairing the furnace and changing the air filter will also reduce the energy bills during heating months. Even if nothing is wrong with the heating system, there is no harm in checking.
- Move Your Furniture
It might look like the best way to arrange your living room, but if the sofa is in front of the radiator, it’s time to move it. The furniture might be absorbing heat meant to warm the house. Ensure there are no obstructions so that warm air can circulate freely inside the house. It’s the best way to get the most out of your heating source. If your radiator is below the windows, lift the curtains or move them out of the way. Find the most logical way to rearrange the living room, even if it’s just for the winter.
- Use Rugs
Rugs are crucial for keeping your toes warm in the winter. You probably have rugs, but they may not be easy to move. Get some throw rugs you can take from room to room whenever you want. It ensures you are stepping on a warm surface rather than the cold floors. Aside from keeping your feet warm, they will also help insulate the floors. You can reduce drafts between your floorboards. If you had some rugs stashed away, winter is the most appropriate time to bring them out. While at it, you might want to get pillows and covers for the sofa to make the living room cozier.
- Limit The Amount Of Time You Use The Fireplace
The fireplace damper allows a lot of heated air to escape through the chimney. It’s almost the same as leaving a window open. It looks great on paper to have a fire burning while you enjoy the company of your loved ones. But it may also be the reason why your house feels cold all of a sudden. However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t enjoy your fireplace during winter. You only have to limit the amount you use, especially when temperatures are really low. Close the flu when you don’t have a fire going.
- Change The Direction Of Your Ceiling Fan
Turning your ceiling fan when it’s cold is probably the last thing you think about. But it can actually help you keep the house warm if you change its direction. When you reverse the rotation, it will pull cool air upwards and mix with the rising heat. It can help warm air circulate in the room. However, you have to run the fan at its slowest speed. If you can’t reverse the rotation, it’s best to leave it off. You have to try everything, especially if you stay in a very cold place.
Conclusion
Your winter will pass by without any health issues or other troubles with these six tips. Maintaining your heating system will ensure it runs smoothly during the cold season. The last thing you need is a malfunctioning furnace in the middle of winter. Invest in curtains and rugs for the whole house; they make things a lot better.
