Winter has arrived, and so has the cold weather that is part of the season. While it’s tempting to crank up the heat to keep warm and comfortable, there are plenty of other ways to stay cozy without breaking the bank. Whether you hope to reduce your heating bills or make the home cozy and welcoming on chilly days, here are a few tips for keeping your living spaces warm when the temperature drops.
Keep Your Living Spaces Cozy and Warm
1. Seal Windows and Doors to Block Drafts
One of the most common reasons homes feel chilly is drafts seeping through openings around windows and doors. Check for gaps using a lit candle or stick of incense. Move the candle around the door or window frame and look for places where the flame flickers, indicating airflow. Seal gaps, holes, and cracks with caulk, weatherstripping, or a draft stopper. If your windows are well-sealed, use an insulating film kit layered with curtains to keep the cold out.
2. Leverage Sunlight to Keep Your Living Spaces Warm
Sunlight is a natural source of warmth and will help heat your home. Keep your curtains and blinds open during the day to allow sunlight to enter and warm the living spaces, reducing your need for artificial heating and saving you money on your heating bills. Close the window coverings in the evenings to trap warm air inside the house.
3. Add Insulation
If your home isn’t well insulated, remedy this. While adding insulation can be expensive, the cost is well worth the saving on the utility bills. Use fiberglass batting, spray foam insulation, or mineral wool to insulate the attic or walls. Adequate insulation keeps temperature-controlled air inside your home and prevents it from escaping through your roof or walls.
4. Reverse Ceiling Fan Blades
Many ceiling fans have a toggle to change the direction of blades. When switched, the fan’s blades draw cool air to the ceiling and push warm air back into the room. Running the ceiling fan on a low setting in a clockwise direction will make the room feel warmer, reducing the need for the heating system. With the fan running, you can lower the thermostat’s setting by a few degrees and still feel comfortable.
5. Incorporate Throw Blankets and Rugs
Stay warm in winter by snuggling under a warm throw blanket while relaxing to read or watch TV. Add blankets on the couch, beds, and chairs to offer another layer of warmth to family members.
Incorporate rugs over hardwood and tile flooring. Rugs keep floors warm underfoot and help prevent heat loss. Your home will feel cozy, and the floors will be more comfortable.
Maintain cozy living spaces with these tips as the winter chills set in. You’ll stay warm and save money on your heating bills. Small efforts lead to significant results when conserving energy. Keep your family warm and toasty during the chilly winter months without spending a fortune.
InspectPro provides home inspections for customers in Raleigh-Durham and the surrounding areas of North Carolina. If you’re buying or selling a home, contact us to schedule our services.