When the cold weather starts to set in, households are keen to stay warm and comfortable. Winter-proofing your home helps you save on energy bills. Little changes can affect how cozy your home is. Some simple but effective steps to help keep the warmth in and the cold out are listed below.
Seal Windows and Doors
The biggest culprits of heat loss are usually windows and doors. However, over time, they can become worn around their edges, and cold air can seep in while warm air leaks out. But first, go through your windows and doors with a fine-tooth comb. Run your hand along the edges to find drafts if you see them, weatherstrip, or caulk them up. Heavy curtains can also be installed. At night, when the temperature drops, thick curtains trap heat. When they are open during the day, let in natural light. You can take advantage of the sun’s warmth, which costs nothing and feels just right.
Insulate Your Attic and Walls
The heat rises, so your attic can be a big heat loser. Trapping warmth inside your home and insulating your attic prevents it from escaping through the roof. If your attic already has insulation, check it. If it’s old or compressed, you may also add a fresh layer. Added insulation can also help walls. This may sound like a big project, but if the home is old, this may be a good investment. In the long term, the right insulation in your walls will have a huge impact on keeping your home warm and on cutting your energy costs.
Programmable Thermostat Install
A programmable thermostat can do both: make heating your home convenient and efficient. With this device, you can set different temperatures for different times of the day. If you are out of the house or asleep, you can lower the temperature and raise it just before returning home. This way, you’re not wasting your energy when you want your home to be warm. Using programmable thermostats is easy, and so is installing them. You can also control many models remotely using a smartphone app that allows you to set the settings wherever you are. This small device will save you huge in your heating bills and make your home a nicer place to live without all the additional work.
Service Your Heating System
Your heating system works hard to keep you warm, but it needs regular maintenance to work well. Have a professional inspection before winter sets in. All parts of your system will be cleaned and inspected by a technician to make sure it is ready for the cold months to come. During the inspection, ask about any recommended upgrades or repairs. If you’ve been thinking about a more energy-efficient heating option, consider researching heat pump installation services. Heat pumps are a great alternative to heat since they don’t produce heat but transfer heat, which can be more energy-efficient and cost-effective in the long run for milder winter climates.
Reverse Ceiling Fans
It isn’t just for cooling. During the winter, you can flip the direction of your fan blades to blow warm air down. Fans usually spin counterclockwise in summer so that they blow a breeze, but they’re turned clockwise in winter. That distributes the warm air that rises, helping rooms to feel warm without turning the thermostat down. It’s a small change that’s easy to overlook, but it can help you keep the temperature comfortable. Most ceiling fans have a little switch on the bottom that lets you change direction. Try it – you’ll be surprised at how much warmer the room feels.
Conclusion
There is no need to make winterizing your home a complicated or expensive affair. Million little decisions, and you’ll be able to keep your home warm and comfy, even in the most severe cold. Each measure contributes, from the sealing of windows to the insulation of your attic. And while the temperature continues to drop, you’ll be happy to have warmed up your home beforehand. Keep cozy and comfortable this winter and make your home a refuge from the cold.
