Tips And Tricks To Keep Your Home Warm This Winter

F rom that delicious cup of hot cocoa, the heat from the fireplace to being bundled up in multiple layers that provide ultimate comfort, winters are truly special.

However, it also means it’s time to prepare your home for the drop in temperature and keep it warm.

We have just the right tips and tricks to keep your home warm this winter without seriously upping your heating and energy bills. While households are expected to spend more money on heating this winter season according to a report by the Energy Information Administration, the following tips and tricks will help you do that without burning a hole in your wallet.

Heavy Curtains Are Your Best Friend

The first thing you need to do as soon as the chilly winter air creeps up on you is replace the existing curtains with heavy, durable ones.

Did you know that not covering the windows properly can lead to a massive loss of heat from your home in cooler temperatures? Windows need extra insulation during winters in the form of heavy drapes or curtains to prevent the warmth from escaping your home.

Cover the Floor with Rugs

Rugs aren’t just aesthetically pleasing, but they also play an important role in creating warmth by keeping your feet toasty.

If you have hardwood or tile flooring in your house, it’s ideal to cover it with rugs in order to help warm up a cold space.

Take Maximum Advantage of Daylight Hours  

One of the most basic tips and tricks to keep your home warm this winter is making use of the heat from the sun during daylight hours.

Every morning, open the drapes and the curtains to allow the sunlight in as it will help bring the indoor temperature up and keep your house warm. Think of the sun as a natural heater that has free heat to offer to you!

Seal All Possible Cracks and Gaps In the Windows

About 15-25% of heat is lost through unsealed cracks and gaps in the windows during winters which bring in unwanted cool air.

Check all the windows in your house for possible cracks and gaps, and make sure to seal them properly to prevent the warmth and heat from slipping through them. There are many kits available out there that contain clear plastic films which become invisible once applied.

Keep Furniture Away from Radiators and Vents

It’s natural to want to keep your sofa near the radiator during winters in order to keep warm, but there’s a high chance that the sofa is absorbing all the heat that is supposed to be warming your home.

So, the simple thing to do here is to move your furniture away from radiators and vents as it can possibly block the flow of heat into your home. The idea here is to make the most of your heat source and prevent any kind of disruption to the heat flow.

Block the Fireplace Flue When Not In Use

An open fireplace flue causes the same amount of loss of heated air as a wide-open window does. It is important to block the flue and keep it closed when the fireplace is not in use so that warm air stays inside and doesn’t escape.

Add An Extra Layer of Insulation on Windows

As mentioned earlier, drafty windows are a common culprit for making your home cold during winters. One of the most effective tips here to keep your home warm during winter is to add an extra layer of insulation on windows by shrink-wrapping them.

Get your hands on a shrink wrap kit and cover the windows with the plastic sheet properly. This added layer of insulation will help keep cold air out and maintain the warmth inside your home.

Make Sure The Attic Has Adequate Insulation

Not many homeowners often realize this, but a significant amount of heat is easily lost through an uninsulated attic. This can further result in leaks, ice dams, and other such issues.

So, make sure your attic is well-insulated and in case it isn’t, you can either look into insulation batting or have a professional blow-in loose-fill insulation in your attic.

Stay Warm and Comfortable This Winter Season!

For anyone fretting over staying warm during winters, use these tips and tricks to keep your home warm this winter. These are low-cost, effective ways to ensure a heated indoor environment without increasing your energy bills.

• This post is tagged in:

• winter
• loss of heat
• winter air
• staying warm
• insulation
• fireplace