10 Ways To Keep Your Home Warm In Winter
Winter weather can be harsh, but with a few simple tips, you can keep your home warm and toasty all season long. If you do not weather proof your home, you could be spending more on your heating bills than necessary.
Here are ten ways to make your home stay cozy, warm and more energy-efficient this winter.
Check for air leaks
Prevent cold air from seeping in by examining your windows and doors to make sure they are properly sealed. If there's an air leak, you'll feel a breeze against your hand.
You can also test if you have a draft by hanging a piece of tissue paper near doors, windows and vents. If the paper flutters or blows towards you, there is airflow. You can seal the cracks using weather stripping or caulk for an easy fix.
Weather-strip doors and window sills
Weather stripping will help your home retain heat by limiting air flow through exterior cracks and crevices. Buy some at any hardware store or big-box retailer near you, then simply cut the weatherstripping to size using scissors or a sharp utility knife.
Insulate your floors and ceiling
There are several different types of insulation to consider, including fiberglass batts, radiant barrier insulation and spray foam insulation. While you can choose from a variety of materials and installation methods to suit your needs, the most important thing is that your home's ceilings and flooring should be properly insulated for maximum efficiency.
Add insulation to your attic
It's recommended that you add additional insulation in your attic to help keep the heat in during cold months, but no matter what type of insulation you decide on, it should be properly installed and secured so that it doesn't fall into disrepair over time.
Use a programmable thermostat
Regularly changing the temperature of your home is an effective way to keep your heating bills down during winter, but making sure it is warm when you need it. Instead of manually setting it by hand, consider installing a programmable thermostat that will adapt to your daily routine and adjust accordingly to save you money on energy costs.
You can also opt for a smart thermostat, which gives you even more control by allowing you to adjust the temperature via a smartphone app or computer.
Seal your fireplace chimney and close the flue
Ensure that your fireplaces and wood burning stoves are ready for use this winter season by sealing gaps around them using a high-quality silicone caulk. If there's a sweeping brush at the damper, clean it out to remove any soot buildup.
The open flue is a frequent source of house drafts. Keep it closed when it's not in use to keep more warm air inside your home. Your fireplace flue should also be checked periodically to make sure it's not blocked by dust or other obstructions.
Use the sun, open the curtains
Although it may be cold outside, if you leave your curtains and blinds open during the day, the sun will shine through the windows and warm up your rooms. It will warm them up more than you might think. This works best for south or west facing windows. Windows on the north side may only let in more cold.
But make sure that you close the curtains or blinds at night. This will reduce the cold air from coming through the windows.
Use rugs strategically
Layering area rugs is a great way to make your home warmer; they trap air and insulate the floor, which makes you more comfortable and reduces drafts. But make sure you put them down in strategic places, such as by doorways and under furniture that sits on the floor.
Cover your kitchen hood when not in use
While it can help to clear the air while you cook, your kitchen hood might also act as a conduit for chilly air to enter your home. To avoid this unwanted effect, we suggest covering the kitchen hood when it's not in use to mitigate leaks and keep warm air inside.
Try using a fireplace or wood-burning stove
If you don't have central heating, try using your fireplace or wood-burning stove to stay warm during winter. This is an effective way to keep energy costs down without sacrificing warmth in your home, and it's safer than relying on portable heaters and space heaters.
There are many ways to keep your home warm in winter.
We’ve listed ten of the most popular methods, but there are plenty of others that you can explore. No matter which techniques you choose, be sure to take into account the specific needs of your home and family. Experiment with different solutions until you find the ones that work best for you – and stay warm all winter long!
At Craig Plumbing Heating & Cooling LLC, we offer a full range of heating services and expertise, backed by over 20 years of experience serving our community right here in the Broomfield and Westminster areas.
We offer professional tune-up and maintenance services that keep your furnace in good health all year long and running smoothly for many additional years. A well-maintained furnace saves you money and lasts longer, so we recommend this once-a-year service to everyone!