5 Savvy Ways to Keep Your House Warm During Heavy Winter
Winter is upon us. This time of year can be tough on your budget, especially if you’re unprepared. We all know how expensive it is to heat a home; some people just can’t afford it. The good news is that there are ways you can keep your house warm during the winter without breaking the bank. Start by inspecting your heating system to ensure it’s in good working order. Additionally, you can save money by sealing up any gaps or cracks around your doors and windows.
Adding insulation to your attic is another great way to keep your home warm in the winter. You can also do some simple things around your home to keep the heat in and the cold out. For example, you can hang heavy curtains over your windows and add rugs or carpets to bare floors. It’s time to brave the chill and learn some savvy ways to keep your house warm during heavy winter!
Inspect Your Heating System
Your first line of defense against the cold is your heating system, so inspect it before winter hits.
If you have a furnace, clean or replace the filter and have a professional inspect the unit. You should get a tune-up for your furnace every year to keep it running efficiently – if you don’t know how to do it on your own, you can use heating services in Phoenix, AZ, or any other place.
If you have a boiler, check the water level and add more if needed. It would be best if you also bled the radiators to get rid of any air bubbles. It will help improve the heating performance of your system.
If you have a wood-burning stove, ensure the chimney is clean and clear of any obstructions.
Seal Up Gaps and Cracks
One of the biggest sources of heat loss is through gaps and cracks around doors and windows. To prevent this, inspect your home for any gaps and seal them up. You can use weather stripping to seal gaps around doors and windows. It is a simple and inexpensive way to make your home more energy-efficient.
Another way to seal gaps and cracks is by using caulk. It is a thicker sealant that you can use on larger cracks. Choosing the right type of caulk for the job is important, so consult with a hardware store employee if you’re unsure which to get.
Insulate Your Attic
One of the best ways to keep your home warm in the winter is to add insulation to your attic. Doing so will help keep the heat from escaping through the roof.
There are two main types of attic insulation: fiberglass and cellulose. Fiberglass is the most common type, and it’s made from recycled glass. Cellulose is made from recycled paper products, and it’s considered to be more environmentally friendly. When selecting insulation, you need to choose the proper R-value. It is a measure of the insulation’s ability to resist heat flow. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation.
You can install attic insulation yourself, or you can hire a professional. If you plan on doing it yourself, wear protective clothing, such as gloves, a dust mask, and long sleeves.
Rearrange Your Furniture
Yes, you can use your furniture to keep your house warm in the winter! To do this, rearrange your furniture so that it’s not blocking any heat vents. It will help circulate the heat better throughout your home. Even if there’s only, for example, a small chair blocking a radiator, that can make a difference.
Besides, move your bed and any seating furniture away from windows and exterior walls. These areas tend to be the coldest in a home, so you want to ensure you’re not sitting or sleeping in them.
Be Smart With Rugs and Curtains
Rugs and curtains are great ways to add some extra insulation to your home. Hang heavy curtains over your windows to help keep the heat in. If you have blinds or shutters, keep them closed at night to further insulate your windows. Rugs also help insulate a home by trapping heat. So, if you have any bare floors, consider adding some rugs to them. Doing this is especially important in rooms with tile or hardwood floors, as they tend to be colder than carpeted floors.
The Bottom Line on Ways to Keep Your House Warm During Heavy Winter
Winter can be tough on your budget, but there are ways to keep your home warm without spending a small fortune on your energy bills. All it takes is some creative thinking and willingness to get your hands dirty. First and foremost, make sure your heating system is in top shape. You should also seal up any gaps or cracks around your doors and windows and insulate your attic.
Other than that, you can also do some simple things around your home, like rearranging your furniture and adding rugs or curtains. Following these tips will help you make your home more energy-efficient and save money this winter.
Photo by andre govia on Unsplash